Hello.

Does molten Sn attack 24K gold?

 

Just had my electronics soldering iron tip jacketed in 0.5mm pure gold and eroded in a minute at 800ºF! (There is a chance it was a poorly done job by the goldsmith)

What other metals will get wet with 96.5% tin solder and not degrade with oxides, corrosion, staying tinned ? Ag, Pt, Ti,...?

Miguel

Did you have any type of flux going with your soldering? Fluxes typically contain some type of chloride or fluoride salt which will readily attack gold at higher temperatures.

yeah, I think it`s most likely as Jdurg says, as for other metals you`ll be able to solder Silver with it and I beleive Pt can be soldered to also, but not Ti.

I know from recent experience that Pt is wetted by molten tin and also dissolves in it. So, I can perfectly imagine that gold dissolves in tin.

Thanks, fellows.

The flux formula is from Kester, and they only reveal being a "modified resin".

If Sn has affinity for Au, would explain the fast erosion.

I would have no problen in trying Pt but if dissolves as gold there is no point on increasing my frustration.

 

It is plain Sn unleaded solder for electronics, and canot discern what material for the soldering iron tip could handle it without degradation.

 

Suggestions on what to use ?

 

Miguel