Soldering is the process of connecting metal parts using a soldering gun or iron and a metallic material called solder. It is used in electronics and plumbing applications, and solders can find work in various industries. Brazing, a similar process using materials with higher melting points, is used in plumbing and requires more safety equipment.
As soldering is such a versatile skill, there are many opportunities – professional and amateur – for a solder. A solder is someone who uses a soldering gun or iron to connect metal parts, such as in electronic components and plumbing applications. Soldering is usually done on smaller parts such as small wires or capacitors and on small sized tubes. The same type of activity performed on larger pipes and components is called brazing, but a weld usually deals with small projects that require a steady hand.
Soldering is done by using a hot soldering iron or gun to apply a metallic material called solder to the parts that need to be connected. Solder material is usually made up of 60% lead and 40% tin, which means it has a relatively low melting point. When a solder connects two metallic components using solder, electrical currents are allowed to flow through the components and the solder.
Since soldering is useful for connecting electrical components together, a solder can find work wherever electrical applications are needed. Computers use many electrical components that require soldering work; therefore, solders are commonly employed by computer manufacturers. Other manufacturers of electrical components, such as television and stereo companies or personal electronic devices, may need the help of soldering.
Welds can also find work in the manufacturing and industry sectors in other capacities. For example, because many factories – such as car factories – are partially or fully automated, machines that run on electronics frequently break down and need repair. A welder can be hired to come in on a subcontractor basis to repair electronic connections within a machine.
Computer and electronics workshops usually hire people who are proficient in soldering. Due to how often electronic components and computers break down, soldering may be required for repairs; however, it is more common to replace components than to repair them.
When other materials with higher melting points are used for soldering, the process is called brazing. Brazing is very useful in plumbing applications, particularly fusing two pipes together using a molten filler material. Brazing cannot be done with a soldering iron or gun. Instead, brazing is done using a torch or solder of some sort, as a soldering iron cannot get hot enough to melt the filler material. Brazing is a slightly more complicated process than soldering and usually requires more safety equipment, such as heat-resistant gloves and goggles.
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