How to properly Tin stainless steel - Metals and their processing

How to solder stainless steel at home?

Soldering stainless steel is a rather complicated procedure. It is used to connect thin-walled parts when it is not possible to perform TIG welding. This avoids excessive temperature exposure to the work surface.

Features of alloys

Soldering stainless steel is classified as skilled work . This is due to the fact that in order to select the optimal soldering mode, it is necessary to accurately determine the type of material. For example, riveted grades of stainless steel are soldered without load, in order to avoid the formation of defects on the surface due to temperature exposure.

Aluminum and magnesium interact weakly with the alloy in question, so when selecting a material you should pay attention to the composition of the product. Stainless steel forms a highly durable connection with other types of metals.

Highly alloyed compounds with a high chromium content do not withstand high temperatures. When heated above 500 Cº, the formation of chromium carbide is activated, which negatively affects the parameters of the metal.

Solder selection

The correct solder for soldering stainless steel is the key to the quality of the connection. The following factors influence the choice of suitable material:

metal composition;
working conditions.

Under standard conditions, soldering is performed with silver solder - it has excellent anti-corrosion properties, and the nickel in its composition increases the strength of the connection. Visually, the connection will not differ from the main surface. Craftsmen consider silver compounds to be the best material for soldering stainless steel. However, it is prohibited to use silver without additives. To improve the quality of the connection, copper or zinc is added to it.

Flux selection

Not every flux is suitable for working with stainless steel, since the process takes place under the influence of high temperatures. Experienced craftsmen recommend using borax . It is introduced into the contact zone and heated until completely melted, after which solder is supplied.

In the absence of borax, it is recommended to use phosphoric acid as a flux. More active compounds will negatively affect the solder layer.

How to make flux with your own hands?

Experienced craftsmen prefer to prepare flux with their own hands. There are several recipes. The most common mixture is considered to be one that includes:

borax – 7 parts;
boric acid – 2 parts;
calcium fluoride – 1 part.

The mixture is prepared on a water basis.

To work with small parts, just mix boric acid and borax in a 1:1 ratio.

Features of tin soldering

Solders based on tin-lead mixtures are distinguished by high quality connections at an affordable price . This is the main reason for the popularity of soldering stainless steel with tin at home.

The method has proven itself best when sealing small cracks or connecting small parts. Products subject to temperature loads during operation are recommended to be soldered using silver compounds.

An example is distillation tubes, which are operated at high temperatures under pressure.

The use of tin as a filler material when soldering stainless steel is not widespread in industry due to the low temperature threshold of the connection.

Advantages

The use of low-melting solders has the following advantages:

easy procedure for soldering small parts;
preparatory procedures do not take much time;
low cost of consumables;
You can use either a household electric soldering iron or a gas burner.

Flaws

The method has the following disadvantages:

low connection strength;
the low melting point of tin reduces the scope of application of sealed parts;
competent use of molten tin requires certain professional skills from the master.

Modes

Tin-lead solders are used with the following parameters:

the maximum burner temperature is 240 Cº;
minimum power of the soldering device – 40 W;
surface exposure interval – no more than 10 seconds;
The thickness of the solder, regardless of the form of manufacture, should not exceed 4 mm.

How to work at home correctly?

Soldering stainless steel is considered a rather complex process, so work at home should be approached with special attention. Most solders, with the exception of tin, require a soldering iron of at least 100 watts .

Do not forget about preparing the surface for soldering. This procedure begins with mechanical processing of the plane and ending with its tinning.

The use of active fluxes requires special attention - after completion of work, it is necessary to rinse the connection with running water.

Connection with other metals

When soldering dissimilar compositions, for example, soldering stainless steel with copper or bronze, it is necessary to carefully study the properties of the metals being joined . The main problem is the selection of temperature parameters, since the workpieces have different melting conditions.

Regardless of the type of metal, the contact area must be thoroughly cleaned.

As a working tool, you can use a soldering iron or a torch.

If silver solder is not available, brass-based compounds can be used. This will reduce the quality characteristics of the connection, but will allow you to save on consumables, since brass is cheaper than silver.

Food solders

The requirements for soldering utensils used for cooking do not differ from the general rules for carrying out work. Proper solder for stainless steel is a basic requirement. For example, POS group solders cannot be used to repair cookware, since lead negatively affects human health .

Basic mistakes

The slightest mistake can lead to a significant decrease in the quality of the connection. The following tips will reduce the likelihood of errors:

When doing homework, the optimal soldering iron power is 100 W. Using a more powerful device will lead to overheating of consumables, and a less powerful one will lead to incomplete heating of the metal.
Use a soldering iron with a non-burnt tip.
It is better to solder food utensils with pure tin, since lead has toxic properties.
Experienced craftsmen recommend using active compounds as flux. Orthophosphoric acid has proven itself best.

Conclusion

Soldering stainless steel is a complex procedure due to the variety of alloying alloys. For small parts that are not exposed to temperature, POS group solders are best suited.

Source: https://svarka.guru/payka/tehnik/nerzhaveyki.html

How to tin the stainless steel with tin?

Soldering stainless steel is a very labor-intensive process. By following the soldering technology and taking into account all the features, this procedure is greatly simplified.

Stainless steel metals such as nickel and chromium with a metal content of no more than 25% are relatively easy to process. Such materials make it possible to obtain high quality soldered joints even from dissimilar metal parts with the exception of aluminum and magnesium alloys.

The most technologically simple processes include soldering stainless steel with tin.

Features of soldering stainless steel

The use of tin solders is excellent for soldering small items, as well as repairs at home. Without any problems, you can solder a saucepan, bowl, mug or other household items made of stainless steel at home using a regular electric soldering iron and tin.

For particularly critical solder joints, special grade alloys based on phosphorus and nickel are used. In addition, materials from chromium, nickel, and manganese are widely used. This group is well suited for working in gases containing a mixture of boron trifluoride and argon. In this type of soldering, the solder can be copper in its pure form, which is excellent at wetting the metal, followed by a strong connection.

Before soldering stainless steel, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the technological process, as well as the features of different methods of working with metal .

By watching the corresponding video, you can get detailed information about all the features of the working procedure.

Soldering a variety of products made from food and industrial stainless steel has many nuances that you pay attention to when choosing a soldering method, as well as the consumables required for this.

Equipment used

Correct work with stainless steel items requires theoretical training and familiarization with the process itself through video materials. To solder stainless metal at home, the following equipment and materials are used:

electric soldering iron about 100 W or a gas burner,
flux for soldering stainless steel in the form of a special soldering acid,
sandpaper, wire brush or file,
solvent (acetone),
solder,
protective gloves and cleaning cloth.

In addition to basic tools and materials, additional accessories may be needed depending on the type of part being processed. Soldering large-sized products may require the use of a higher-power electric soldering iron. This is necessary for good heating of the joints.

Please note that this power tool is used exclusively when working with soft (light alloy) solders such as POS or tin. Pure metal is excellent for repairing dishes where phosphoric acid is used as a flux.

It provides excellent adhesion of the alloy at the soldering site.

Types of solder and features of choice

You can solder objects made of stainless steel with your own hands using both soft and hard alloys. Solder for soldering light-alloy stainless steel contains lead and tin and is designated POS. Hard alloys consist of refractory metals.

The presence of tin gives the material high fluidity, as well as good ductility when molten. This is especially convenient when soldering stainless steel elements, since the tin-lead material has an excellent deoxidizing effect. Before soldering stainless steel with tin, the video will demonstrate to beginners all the features of this process.

The strongest connections are obtained using hard alloys. Soldering of stainless steel parts can be done with their help at home as well as in industrial conditions. Often, hard alloys contain technical silver . The value of this silver component can reach up to 30% of the total amount of metals in the alloy. Such carbide rods by the brand PSr.~

It is good to solder stainless steel products, copper, as well as brass, nickel, bronze, cast iron and other metals using HTS-528 alloy. Its surface initially has a reddish-colored flux layer, which makes it easy to solder a variety of objects. It should be taken into account that this rod melts at 760 °C.

Advantages and disadvantages of tin soldering

The use of tin materials has its own characteristics during operation. These soft alloys have some advantages that make the soldering process easier:

ease and speed of repair of small-sized products,
no lengthy preparatory procedure,
low price of consumables,
during processing, the fluidity of stainless steel decreases, which makes work easier,
high quality connections for many low-impact products.

In addition to the obvious positive qualities, there are also some disadvantages of using tin alloys:

soldering has low mechanical strength compared to other methods of making permanent connections,
reduction in the operating temperature of parts due to the presence of tin,
complications during soldering due to high fluidity.

Common Mistakes

The main problem when soldering objects made of stainless steel is the uneven distribution of the alloy over the area being treated. This occurs due to poor cleaning of the soldering area, as well as insufficient heating of the surfaces being joined, especially when they are large.

The work process is influenced by the correct selection of flux and appropriate solder. In addition to borax, soldering acids are used as the flux material used. Processing areas with tin can be difficult if the consistency is not correct. For good soldering it must be in liquid form.

Avoiding these basic soldering mistakes results in a joint that is highly strong and durable. Remember to let the joint seam cool. In this case, the product must not be subjected to mechanical stress or moved. At the end of the procedure, you should rinse the adhesive area thoroughly. This is necessary to remove flux and alloy residues from the surface of the part.

Technology of work execution

How to solder stainless steel at home? The beginning of the soldering procedure consists of preparing the products. To do this, they are cleaned of dirt and oxide film. Mechanical work is performed with sanding paper or a wheel, or a metal brush.

Before soldering any stainless steel, it is necessary to degrease the area with a solvent, acetone. The next stage consists of applying flux to the area of the object being processed. When using combined type solder, no flux material is used.

The area to be soldered is heated using an electric soldering iron with a tinned tip or a gas burner. It is necessary to constantly monitor the amount of oxygen in the flame, since its excess will lead to additional oxidation of the metal product. The burning tongue should be bright blue.

By moving the burner smoothly, the entire connected area is heated. To monitor its condition, a solder bar is periodically applied. If it begins to melt, the surface temperature is suitable for processing.

The alloy used is placed in the seam being soldered, gradually filling the joint area with molten metal. To distribute the alloy evenly, you can additionally heat the area. Ensuring good strength of the soldered seam is achieved in the presence of solder, the excess of which will flow out of the joint being processed.

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Soldering stainless steel at home is presented in the video, which reveals the features of the process.

Cold welding for stainless steel heated towel rails

To obtain high quality soldering and speed up the process, it is recommended to tin the contact areas in advance. After this, the products are connected by heating until the solder melts.

If re-soldering is necessary, flux is additionally applied and heated using a gas torch or electric soldering iron. This process is carried out until the joint is completely evenly covered with solder.

At the end of the soldering process, the product is cooled and washed well to remove any remaining flux or solder.

soldering of steel sheets can be done using a soldering paste consisting of flux and solder. The processed contact area of one part is covered with this mass, rigidly fixed with another part and heated on both sides.

Before soldering stainless steel at home, take care to follow safety precautions when working with hazardous materials and hot objects. Ensure good ventilation in the area where soldering work is performed and beware of fumes from molten metals.

Source: https://varimtutru.com/kak-obludit-nerzhaveyku-olovom/

How to solder stainless steel with tin

There is a misconception that it is impossible to solder stainless steel with tin, since the process is labor-intensive and very difficult. But this is far from true: such work can be done even at home if you have certain knowledge, skills and experience.

So, if you purchased high-quality stainless steel from the MetalCity company and you need to solder it, then use the information and tips given below.

The main thing is a soldering iron!

Before you begin, consider whether you should actually solder rather than use other fastening methods. Soldering is advisable if metal parts cannot be drilled or the bolted connection is unreliable.

The main factors that influence the process: a good electric soldering iron and the right flux, which ensures the connection of surfaces for a long time.

Pay special attention to the following:

The power of the soldering iron should be 60-100 W; if it is less, then it will not be possible to heat the metal well and melt it to the desired state. High power at home is not needed - it leads to excessive energy consumption.
You need to purchase a soldering iron with permanent heating - it lasts a long time and saves energy.
It is best to have a soldering iron with a tip that does not burn - this will work longer. It needs to be descaled periodically, and also sharpened for precise work.
Tin is an almost ideal solder for stainless steel. It does not contain lead, like POS, and can be used with products in contact with food.
Without the correct choice of flux, it is impossible to tin stainless steel, as an oxide film will form. The best flux in this case is phosphoric acid.

He who doesn't work doesn't make mistakes

For soldering, the tin must reach the desired consistency - similar to water. Then the seam turns out to be of high quality, even and long-lasting.

Mistakes in achieving a good result are:

the soldering iron has not reached the required temperature;
poor heating of the parts being soldered. If they are large, then this can be done using a gas burner or on an electric stove;
incorrect choice of flux, which cannot dissolve the oxide or fatty film on the metal.

All the above-described features must be observed when soldering stainless steel with tin. After finishing work, the connected surfaces should be washed with soap and water. The fact is that the acids used in the process are quite aggressive, they accelerate the destruction and corrosion of the metal, and soap neutralizes them.

Source: http://euroelectrica.ru/kak-payat-nerzhaveyku-olovom/

Soldering stainless steel with tin

By many experts, soldering stainless steel with tin is considered a very difficult procedure, since there is a special role in the behavior of such a metal. This solder is considered a more effective option to use for soldering stainless steel.

This method is considered popular for most who encounter such procedures, but it is not always possible to achieve the required quality result. This soldering is mainly used for joining small materials where it is necessary to fasten small parts, and is also used for sealing various small cracks and other similar defects.

Here the requirements are not too great, however, soldering must be done at the highest possible level of quality. Solders for such work are produced in rods that are similar to welding wire. Soldering stainless steel with tin is used quite rarely in industrial applications, unlike at home.

It doesn’t matter how the soldering process is carried out, a soldering iron or a torch, the material will still spread quickly when exposed to temperature, so you need to make careful movements to get the best result.

Also, for a high-quality connection, you will need to correctly configure the necessary parameters and modes using adjustments, as well as select the appropriate consumables. Such work is carried out according to technical conditions that must comply with GOST 860-75.

Advantages of soldering stainless steel with tin

Thanks to this process, it is possible to quite simply and quickly carry out the process of repairing small damage without using complex procedures;
Such work does not take much time and lengthy preparatory procedures;
Prices for consumables are correspondingly not high;
Thanks to the property of tin, which makes it less fluid when exposed to high temperatures, the soldering process is more convenient and not problematic, unlike other solders;
In all soldering options, the final result is of a correspondingly high level of quality.

Disadvantages of soldering stainless steel with tin

The soldering process is not strong enough compared to other methods of obtaining a permanent connection;
When using tin, the operating temperature range of the products becomes lower, since such metal can melt;
There are inconveniences in the process of joining stainless steel due to high fluidity.

Equipment and accessories

When soldering stainless steel, it is necessary to have all the necessary equipment available, such as:

Soldering iron or gas torch;
Solvent;
Solder;
Metal brush;
Flux;
Mittens for protection;
Material for wiping.

It is recommended to purchase a soldering iron that has a power of 100 W, since models with a lower power will not be able to melt the material to the required stage. When you have to solder parts with large dimensions, you will most likely need a more powerful soldering iron. The tip of the device must be fireproof, thanks to which the longevity will significantly increase.

It must be remembered that a soldering iron is not considered a sufficiently universal device, since its operational capabilities are limited only by those solders that melt easily. Here, for more correct soldering, bars consisting entirely of tin or welding rods from the POS series are suitable.

The first type option is perfect for various dishes and other similar containers, since it contains no impurities. Instead of using flux, it is recommended to use phosphoric acid for these procedures.

It is necessary to treat the surface of the future connection with such a substance for the highest level of quality.

Selection of solder and other materials

For the process of soldering stainless steel using a soldering iron, it is necessary to select the correct solder, since the final result depends on this choice. One of the most popular types is the POS series. This variety for soldering, unlike simple tin, is produced in the form of bars with the presence of complementary inclusions of lead, due to which the properties of the material change in a positive direction. There are several brands of this series:

POS-50Kd18;
POS-61;
POS-40.

Such solders can contain not only tin, but also cadmium, lead and other metals. If it is necessary to carry out the process of soldering products that will be used for food, then you need to make sure that nothing other than tin is present in the material, since other metals can be harmful to your body.

A slight difficulty is choosing the right flux, since not everyone is suitable. In such a case, a special active flux will be required, such as soldering acid, orthophosphoric acid or zinc chloride. It is recommended to begin work immediately after applying it to the metal surface, since the flux may combine with the film.

Technology of soldering stainless steel using tin

Before carrying out the process of soldering stainless steel with tin, it is necessary to carry out preparatory procedures with the metal. First, it is necessary to carry out a mechanical process using a metal brush or sandpaper, depending on the thickness of the workpiece.

Then you will need to remove the oxide film that appears on the surface of the metal, as well as grease and other contaminants using a solvent, acetone and other chemicals.

Then, flux must be applied to a clean surface if a combined solder, which already contains a similar substance, is not used. After completing all the preparatory procedures, you can proceed directly to the soldering process.

To do this, you will need to heat the part using a torch or soldering iron. If a torch is used, then you need to carefully monitor the oxygen level, since if there is a lack of it, the metal will begin to undergo oxidation.

In order to miss such an important nuance, you will need to pay attention to the color of the flame, because if the composition is oversaturated, it will turn light blue. To melt the solder, you will need to heat the entire joint area to the required temperature, since its melting depends not on the burner, but on the metal heated by it. Solder is applied to the area where the parts are joined, working slowly until the entire area is filled.

Quality control

This process is carried out in accordance with GOST 19249-73. Control methods with or without destruction can be used here. The main ones are:

Radiation control;
Technical inspection;
Radioscopy method.

Precautions

If soldering stainless steel using tin is carried out at home, then electrical safety rules must be followed. The main problem is that you can get burned by coming into contact with a soldering iron, or with metal or solder.

You need to have the necessary metal stand where you can put the soldering iron to avoid its interaction with various objects, especially flammable things.

It is recommended to carry out work in ventilated areas, since fumes from metals and the solder itself negatively affect the respiratory system.

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Soldering stainless steel

Soldering stainless steel is quite a complex and difficult job. To make a high-quality connection, you need to comply with many conditions - both in the choice of materials and in the soldering modes. It is somewhat easier to solder alloys containing up to 25% Ni or Cr. They can also be soldered to other metals and alloys, with the exception of Al and Mg. DIYers most often use tin solders.

Soldering stainless steel

Features of stainless steel soldering

Using tin and compounds based on it, you can repair stainless steel products, as well as assemble homemade structures that are small in size and not subject to heavy loads. Kitchenware and other household items can be repaired with a regular soldering iron and tin solder.

Soldering of stainless steel in production is performed using a more complex technology. For soldering of critical structures, special industrial mixtures containing Cr < Ni, Mn, chromium, nickel, and manganese are used. You have to work with them in a protective gas atmosphere - argon with the addition of boron trifluoride. Pure copper is used as solder when soldering stainless steel.

Solder Types

Solders for stainless steel are divided into two main groups:

Soft ones are the usual compositions based on Pb and Sn grades POS. Sufficient tin content increases ductility and fluidity, allowing it to penetrate into all micro-irregularities of the surface and significantly improving adhesion. In addition, tin is a good deoxidizer, which is especially important when working with stainless alloys. The disadvantage of such soldering compositions is the low strength of the resulting joint.

To obtain stronger solder joints on stainless steel, hard solders are used. They are used both in industrial conditions and in the home workshop. Up to 30% technical silver is added to solid compositions. They are produced in the form of thin rods and are designated by the letters PSR.

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Solder HTS – 528

If you need to solder together dissimilar products made from materials such as stainless steel, copper alloys, nickel, cast iron, use the HTS-528 composition. It already contains flux, and the melting point is not less than 750 ° C

Flux preparation

Corrosion-resistant alloys are very sensitive to soldering conditions, so the correct choice of flux for soldering stainless steel is extremely important.

The most widely used flux contains:

7 parts technical borax;
2 parts boric acid;
1 part calcium fluoride.

Making flux at home

For soldering small workpieces, the composition of the flux is simplified - equal parts of borax and boric acid are taken. The mixture is diluted in water and applied to the soldering area. Once it dries, it will provide excellent adhesion to the surface of the alloy.

Before applying flux, it is necessary to thoroughly mechanically treat the soldering area with sandpaper, a wire brush or a needle file.

Advantages of soldering stainless steel with tin

The use of soft tin-based compounds provides the following advantages:

ease of soldering operations for small objects;
short preparation;
availability of soldering materials;
Sufficient soldering quality for not the most critical parts.

Soldering stainless steel with tin

Soldering with soft tin compounds can be quickly mastered by a home craftsman.

Disadvantages of soldering stainless steel with tin

In addition to the advantages, soldering stainless steel with tin also has disadvantages

low connection strength;
lowering the maximum operating temperature of sealed items to the plasticity temperature of tin;
difficulties during soldering caused by the high fluidity of tin.

Due to its high fluidity, it is difficult to seal seams on vertical and inclined surfaces.

Tin soldering modes

The soldering modes recommended by experienced specialists are as follows:

Burner temperature: 232-240 °C;
Soldering iron power 80-120 Watt;
Warm-up time 5-10 seconds;
The thickness of the solder bar is 2-4 mm.

It is convenient to control the flame temperature with a pyrometer.

Preparation of equipment and necessary materials

When preparing equipment, it is important to pay attention to the characteristics and design features of the soldering iron. Its power is at least 80-110 watts; weaker devices will not be able to provide sufficient heating of the working area. The sting must be fireproof.

You can work with a soldering iron using soft, low-melting solders - rods made of pure tin or from mixtures like POS. Pure tin will be needed when repairing kitchen utensils and vessels that come into contact with food or drinking water. It does not contain harmful components.

The most suitable flux for such dishes is phosphoric acid.

For hard solders you will have to use a gas torch.

Selection of solder and auxiliary materials

The correct choice of composition allows high-quality soldering of stainless steel parts. Such a connection will be reliable and durable. The most common types of soldering compounds are tin-lead POS grades. For soldering work on stainless steel, experts recommend:

POS50Kd18 (with the addition of cadmium);
POS-61;
POS-40.

Only clean tin should be used to repair items that come into contact with food. Not every flux is suitable for stainless steel.

Solder POS-61 Phosphoric and soldering acids

Commonly used:

soldering acid;
orthophosphoric acid ;
zinc chloride.

It is necessary to apply flux immediately before soldering, so that the oxide film does not have time to re-form.

Interesting: Phosphoric acid is part of Coca-Cola. A good reason to think about whether you should drink it.

Technology of soldering stainless steel with tin

It is very important to carry out the preparatory operations correctly and carefully. Their purpose is to remove oxide film and other contaminants from the surface of the stainless steel that prevent the formation of a strong and durable solder joint.

First, the surface is protected with sandpaper, a wire brush or a file. Next, after removing sawdust and abrasive particles, degreasing is carried out. To do this, take a special degreaser.

It can be successfully replaced by any organic solvent - acetone, white spirit, numbered solvents (646, 657), etc.

Immediately after degreasing, the soldering area is coated with a flux compound. (If flux is included in the solder rod, this step is not performed.)

Now the actual tin soldering begins. First, the soldering area is heated using a soldering iron tip or a gas torch. When soldering with a torch, the oxygen content should be monitored, since if it is in excess, oxidation processes will begin, deteriorating the quality of the connection. When the permissible oxygen concentration is exceeded, the flame acquires a light blue tint.

The principle of soldering stainless steel

The entire soldering area should be heated to the melting temperature of the solder.

Important! The solder should melt not from the tip of a soldering iron or the torch of a gas burner, but from the heat stored in the parts being soldered.

Solder must be supplied to the working area until it begins to appear from the working gaps between the workpieces. This will ensure optimal adhesion.

Soldering stainless steel at home

It often happens that a home handyman needs to repair household utensils and stainless steel dishes. To do this, it is necessary to prepare a certain set of equipment, as well as working and auxiliary materials.

In order to quickly and efficiently repair stainless steel products, you will also need to acquire a certain skill. Therefore, you should not immediately take on the repair of complex or large-sized products.

To get better at “feeling metal and fire,” it’s better to practice on spoons, mugs, or just scraps of stainless steel.

Soldering stainless steel at home

To work, you will need to equip a workplace. The work table must be metal or have a non-flammable coating. Exhaust ventilation must be equipped - both the fumes from the soldering compound and the flux and degreaser are harmful to the respiratory system. The parts to be soldered must be securely fastened with inventory fastening devices - vices, clamps, clamps, spacers.

The work area should not be cluttered; only parts to be soldered may be contained in it.

Containers with working fluids should be tightly closed immediately after use and stored in a cabinet or bedside table.

It is necessary to carefully follow the technology for performing the work. If the processing is carried out poorly and the solder does not stick to the surface of the parts, it is necessary to stop soldering and repeat mechanical processing and degreasing. After degreasing, you can handle parts only with thick gloves - even a small sweat stain left by your fingers can ruin the work.

You can make your own wire brush for stripping. To do this, wires obtained from a piece of metal cable must be tightly inserted into a piece of pipe with a diameter of 5-10 millimeters and a length of about 10 cm. They should protrude from the tube by a few millimeters. For small soldering areas of stainless steel, and especially in narrow and hard-to-reach places, such a homemade product is much more convenient and effective than purchased brushes with a wooden handle.

This brush can be used to work in close proximity to a soldering iron or burner flame, minimizing the time between stripping and the start of soldering.

Soldering with a gas torch

The burner is moved smoothly, heating the metal evenly. The solder rod should melt not from the flame of the burner, but from the heat of the workpiece - only then will a strong and reliable connection be obtained. After applying the rod to the joint area, it is necessary to further heat the workpieces so that it completely penetrates into all the gaps and fills them. Heating is continued until excess soldering compound begins to flow out of the joint.

How to solder stainless steel to stainless steel? How to solder with a soldering iron with rosin and tin

How to solder stainless steel to stainless steel using tin and rosin? This is a very labor-intensive process, for which you need to know all the subtleties and tricks of soldering work. If you follow the instructions discussed in this article, you will be able to make a reliable connection of stainless steel products.

Process Features

For work with food containers, you can only use lead-free solders (for example, tin and alloys based on it). Soldering stainless steel products is a complex process that requires some knowledge and skills to perform.

The best solder for working with the mentioned metal is tin. Thanks to this material, it will be possible to make a high-quality connection. However, tin is more often used for soldering when small parts need to be attached or small cracks need to be repaired.

Solder is sold in coils or in the form of bars 2–4 mm thick.

In industry, soldering using tin is rarely used. And at home, to repair household items (for example, a stainless steel kettle), they use a soldering iron or a gas burner, as well as the mentioned solder. In this case, the main thing is to prepare the necessary consumables (consumables). But we should not forget: during soldering work, hot objects and toxic substances will be used, so you must follow safety rules.

Why do you need flux?

This substance will ensure uniform spreading of solder over the surface of the soldering zone and create conditions for high-quality adhesion of the material to the metal coating. Fluxes are currently classified according to the degree of impact on the following varieties:

Inactive (neutral), which do not contain acids. In addition, they almost do not conduct electricity.
Active (acid) fluxes.
Protective (anti-corrosion), the purpose of which is to protect the soldering zone of the finished joint from corrosion and destruction.

If the question arises why flux is needed for soldering, then the answer can be this: this substance is necessary to comply with the technology, since it will definitely be needed during soldering work. However, the method of application of the composition depends on its initial state:

if the flux is in a solid state, the soldering iron tip must first be dipped into the reagent, and then grab a little solder with it;
the finished liquid mixture will have to be applied to the soldering area using a brush;
The surface should be treated with a paste-like substance using a regular stick.

In addition, flux is sometimes sold in special tubes.

Necessary equipment

Before you begin repairing the product, you need to prepare the following tools and materials:

A simple soldering iron (minimum power - 100 W) or a propane torch.
Organic solvent (for example, white spirit or acetone).
Tin solder.
Rosin or phosphoric acid.
Steel rope.
Metal brush, file or sandpaper.
Clean cloth for wiping.

However, before soldering stainless steel to stainless steel and, accordingly, repairing the part, you should purchase protective equipment: polyurethane gloves, goggles and a respirator.

In addition, to connect large products, a more powerful soldering iron may be required, the tip of which must be fireproof: this will not only increase the service life, but also improve the technical parameters of the tool.

Regarding solder, it should also be said that tin bars are suitable for soldering food utensils or other containers, since they contain fewer harmful impurities.

How to solder with a soldering iron with rosin and tin: technology

When the materials and tools are prepared, you can begin this operation. To solder stainless steel at home, you need to follow these step-by-step instructions:

Use sandpaper or a brush to remove oxide film and other contaminants from the metal surface.
Degrease the part to be repaired with solvent.
Apply flux - rosin or soldering acid - to the surface to be treated. This step does not need to be performed if a combined tin solder is used, which already contains the mentioned substance. Flux must be applied immediately before soldering, since a film forms on the surface of the stainless steel after about 10 seconds.
Heat the soldering area on which the flux is applied with a tinned soldering iron tip.
Add solder if necessary, but most likely you won’t be able to cover the entire surface with tin the first time.
Reapply flux and heat it again with a soldering iron. Repeat this process until the surface of the metal is covered with an even layer of tin. The main thing is that the solder melts not from the tip of the soldering iron, but from the heat stored in the part. In addition, to make the soldering of stainless steel with tin better, you need to add rosin to the joints, which will remove oxides from the solder.
Wash the product from flux residues. To complete this step, you need to prepare a solution consisting of water and detergent and buy metal scrapers. The remains of rosin, according to the masters, can be easily cleaned with cold water, since the substance becomes brittle in it.

Soldering is considered high quality if the result is a uniform surface. But in any case, at the end the coating must be sanded with sandpaper or a file.

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How to join stainless steel parts: optimal technique

First you need to equip your workplace. The table must be steel or have a non-flammable surface. The main thing is that it is even. In addition, you need to make high-quality exhaust ventilation. In turn, in order to solder several products into one at home, you need to cover their parts with tin and fix them together. The next step is to heat the parts at the same time so that the hot solder bonds. You will probably have to add tin to the soldering area by placing it on the soldering iron tip.

After this, you need to warm up the entire surface and, if the solder is applied well, you need to place the parts on a flat surface. A stainless steel product assembled from two or more parts must not be moved until the joints have completely hardened. It is better to secure the soldered parts with fastening devices (for example, clamps or a vice).

Soldering with a gas torch: repairing a kettle

First, you need to thoroughly clean the soldering area with sandpaper and remove scale near the damaged area. To solder a stainless steel kettle with a gas burner, you need to follow these instructions:

Heat the connection with a flame, smoothly moving the device. The heating will be sufficient when the solder begins to melt upon touching the metal.
Apply flux (rosin or phosphoric acid) to the soldering area.
Apply tin to the damaged area, while continuing to heat the area with the burner so that the substance melts and fills the entire defective area.
Sand the seam with a metal brush.
Wipe the sealed area with alcohol to clean its surface from scale and oxides.

During soldering work, you need to monitor the oxygen level. To determine this parameter, you need to look at the flame, the normal shade of which is blue. In an oversaturated composition, the color will be pale, which indicates an excess of oxygen. If you ignore this requirement, there is a high probability that the stainless steel will begin to oxidize.

Advantages of soldering stainless steel with tin

The advantages of this method include the following properties:

consumables are inexpensive;
no lengthy preparation of the part is required;
simple soldering work for small-sized products;
tin solder reduces the fluidity of stainless steel during soldering;
good connection quality.

Recommendations

Naturally, without a good soldering iron and flux, you won’t be able to make a reliable connection. However, before soldering stainless steel, you need to consider other points:

It is advisable to buy a soldering iron with a tip that does not burn: the service life of such a tool is longer than that of a conventional device. However, it must be constantly descaled and sharpened. In addition, it is recommended to use a soldering iron with constant heating: this will save energy.
Soldering stainless steel without flux is a bad idea, since an oxide film will constantly appear.
Inexperienced craftsmen should practice a little on unnecessary parts and scraps. You need to remember: a reliable connection is difficult to tear off, and you can check its quality using a screwdriver or an awl.
A part treated with a solvent should only be touched with gloves, since a small stain left on the surface can ruin the entire work.
Before soldering stainless steel to stainless steel, you need to provide the room with good ventilation. In addition, do not touch heated metal or solder with your hands, or inhale toxic fumes.
Containers with substances must be immediately closed with a tight lid after use.
The finished part must be cleaned of flux and soldering compound. Food containers are treated with soapy water and boiled to neutralize aggressive acids.

How to solder stainless steel

Sometimes brazing stainless steel is preferable to welding. Soldering is used for thin-walled products that are not subject to heavy loads, and in cases where they do not want to experience warping from heating.

It should be taken into account that some types of stainless steel require a certain approach, taking into account their composition and manufacturing technology. For example, cold-worked stainless alloys crack at high temperatures, so their soldering is carried out without loads, after first annealing the metal. There are other subtleties.

How to solder correctly at home

In order to properly solder two stainless steel workpieces together, you need to properly prepare for the process. To do this, it is better to use orthophosphoric acid or zinc chloride, which is usually called soldering acid, as a flux. A soldering iron needs a power of 100 W. As for solder, it is easier to solder stainless steel with tin at home.

The first stage of the process is to clean the edges of the two stainless steel parts. To do this, use sandpaper or a file with fine notches. Then you need to tinning the prepared edges.

To do this, the planes to be joined are treated with flux, then the solder is heated with a soldering iron, which is applied to the ends of the two workpieces. The solder should remain on the soldering iron tip, and from it should be transferred to the planes that are to be tinned.

If the tin does not stick to the stainless steel, then the procedure must be repeated, preheating the ends of the parts to be connected.

Once tinning has occurred, you can proceed to soldering by adding flux and solder to the joint area. At the end of the process, the acid is washed off with water.

Useful tips

Experts who have had the opportunity to solder stainless steel more than once assure that this process is not so complicated. Here are some recommendations from them when using a soldering iron:

For soldering you need to use a soldering iron with a non-burnable tip;
The power of the tool varies in the range of 60-100 W, optimally 100. You should not use higher than that, overheating of the workpieces means overheating of the solder, which will begin to boil. Below is also not desirable, because molecular bonds will not form between all the metals that participate in the soldering process;
It is recommended to clean the tool tip after each operation. Sometimes you have to sharpen it;
It is better to solder with tin rods or tin-lead rods. The second type is not used for joining food grade stainless steel. Pure tin solder will have to be heated well, at least to the consistency of softened plasticine. In general, the metal must be liquid; it is in this state that it can stick to the steel;
Phosphoric acid is used as a flux. Rosin, due to its neutrality, is not used for stainless steel;

It is imperative to adhere to safety precautions, especially if soldering is carried out at home. It is necessary to use personal protective equipment, as well as organize ventilation of the room.

As you can see, there are many caveats. But taking them into account, we can talk about the high quality of the final result.

Source: https://svaring.com/soldering/tehnologii/pajka-nerzhavejushhej-stali

Principles of soldering stainless steel at home

Those who have worked with stainless steel know that soldering this material is not easy. This process has certain features, knowing which you can avoid mistakes and controversial issues when connecting parts. Soldering stainless steel is a process that is accessible not only to experienced craftsmen, but also to beginners. It is important to choose the right tools, consumables and follow a certain procedure.

Soldering stainless steel pipes

Inventory

To carry out the work, you need to prepare all the necessary tools in advance. If soldering steel is carried out at home, you need the following equipment:

Electric soldering iron. The optimal power of the equipment is 100W. As a similar option, you can use a hand-held propane torch.
Solution for degreasing the working surface.
Flux for soldering.
Tin based solder.
Rags.

We must not forget about personal protective equipment - safety glasses, gloves, a work suit and a respirator.