Bi58 Wire Solder

[WIski]

Has anyone used this lead free solder? I know some of the other approved lead free solders contain lower amounts of Bismuth but havent seen any used or suggested here with 58%.

Qualiteks Sn42/Bi58 lead free wire solder is a recommended lead free soldering alternative for heat sensitive components with a low melting point. It has a low melting point of 138 C, 280 F.

This would give a nice temp seperation from the more common lead free solders at around 420 F for second step solderings. The 1000 F brazing could be avoided?????

[NcHooch]

I haven't used it , but that's a good idea, as long as it can produce a good strong joint, and not soften at 212F.

[WIski]

OK......I have soldered some scrap pipe and fittings together and put them in boiling water for 15 minutes. When I plucked them out and gave them some stress they were solid with no indication of the solder starting to soften.

That being said I am still wondering about using this lead free solder with 58% Bismuth. With the data I've found it looks to be nontoxic and safe. I was hoping to get some input from others here on HD as to the usability of this solder for our purposes. SAFE or UNSAFE???????????

Thanks

[rad14701]

Solder would never soften in water, it would only do so when dry heat is applied... As for that percentage of Bismuth I've never heard of solder containing that much, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist...

EDIT: Here is the MSDS for that solder, which is relatively new from what I have read... I might be inclined to pass on its use until they can provide more data, but for all intents and purposes it "should" be fine...

10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
STABILITY: Stable under ordinary use and storage conditions.
POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur.
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: None known.
INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS: Strong acids and strong oxidizers should be avoided..

[WIski]

RAD

Check this out..... http://www.solderstoreonline.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Beat me to it......

[WIski]

Thanks for the confirmation. I was thinking along those same lines but wanted to be sure I was not missing something covered here. I have contacted the manufacture but no coment on use for contact with material used for human consumption. I know they use Bismuth as a lead shot replacement in shotgun shells. It is considered a nontoxic element to animals and to humans that eat such animals. Kind of bizzar to think that big brother makes you use a nontoxic shot to kill something?