Solders and fluxes are used together to form the best and cleanest bond between two metal surfaces. Solders fuse the metals together while fluxes clean the metal during soldering to remove oxidation. Fluxes also remove impurities from the metal to provide solid electrical connectivity. The electronics industry relies on the use of tin, lead and silver solders while plumbers rely on copper solder to repair copper pipes. Industrial solders are readily available online for every application.

Industrial solders are typically metal alloys that are both fusible and meltable at temperatures ranging from 200 to 840 degrees fahrenheit. One of the most common types of solder is an eutectic mixture which means that it is a solder mixture with the lowest melting point of all alloys.

Getting the best price is important but also look to the following for the best soldering results:

1. Manufacturer search engines for solder distributors

2. Custom services and custom kits

3. Specialty solders

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare a vast selection of solder distributors online

Electronics experts know that you can't manufacture electronics without solder so find information about a solder distributor through sites dedicated to finding you sources for all electronic needs. The solder suppliers listed for electronics offer other types of solder as well.

I recommend: Find more than 70 solder distributors through manufacturer search engines, Source ESB and TradeHolding.net.

Turn to custom solder suppliers when you need help

If you feel that you or your staff can't or shouldn't handle soldering on your own, contact solder suppliers with the ability to do the soldering for you. It could be that soldering is just not your specialty or that your job is too big for you to handle. Whatever the case, custom companies can handle prototyping, production and inspection.

I recommend: Contact Custom Components for custom soldering jobs or contact STI Electronics who can put together custom kits to make on-site soldering jobs a snap.

Buy specialty solders, soldering fluxes for special applications

From repairing copper pipes to joining together facets of stain glass, specialty solders can be shipped from both national and international sources. You can often find specialty fluxes through the same sources which gives you the convenience of one-stop shopping. Whatever the specialty application, it's always a good idea to make sure that the solder you use is lead-free.

I recommend: Canfield Technologies has the widest variety of specialty solders including those for jewellery, stained glass, plumbing and plating. All-Spec Industries offers plenty of alternatives to leaded solder.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Solders and fluxes can both produce lead fumes and harmful dust particles. The best way to protect yourself and your staff from inhaling potentially dangerous dust is to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus and industrial eye protection.