Soder-Wick® Lead-Free
1) What exactly is Soder-Wick® Lead-Free SD?
Soder-Wick® Lead-Free SD is a new desoldering braid that has been engineered specifically for optimal removal of lead-free solders, which have a much higher melting point than tin/lead solders. However, it is also effective at removing current tin/lead solders. The SD designation means that the desoldering braid is wound on a static dissipative bobbin to protect the board being reworked from a destructive static discharge.
2) What is the difference between the new Soder-Wick Lead-Free SD and other desoldering
braids like the original Soder-Wick® Rosin and Soder-Wick® No Clean?
The innovative weave of Soder-Wick® Lead-Free SD conducts heat more quickly to the solder joint so more heat energy goes where it is needed to melt the higher melting point, lead-free solders. This shortens the time it takes the solder to liquefy and shortens the overall time required to remove solder when using Soder-Wick® Lead-Free SD. Also, since more of the heat is transferred to the solder joint, Soder-Wick® Lead-Free SD alleviates some of the burden on the soldering iron. The quicker heat transfer means that the operator must also work more quickly to prevent overheating of the solder joint, pad or component. Other wick products do not conduct heat to the solder as quickly and place more emphasis on moderating the heat transfer into the joint. One additional benefit is that some users may find that they can use temperatures for lead-free desoldering similar to conventional tin/lead solders when desoldering with Soder-Wick® Lead-Free. This will reduce oxidation and increase soldering iron tip life
compared with much higher temperature applications.
The innovative weave also makes Soder-Wick® Lead-Free smoother than the current Soder-Wick® Desoldering Braid. This is done
to reduce scratching and marring pads.
Soder-Wick® Lead-Free SD employs a ‘no clean’ flux specifically formulated to tolerate the higher temperatures and poorer wetting capability of currently available lead-free solders.
3)Do I have to use Soder-Wick® Lead-Free to remove lead free solders?
No, Soder Wick® Rosin and Soder-Wick® No Clean will also effectively remove lead-free solder but they are not optimized for leadfree
solder removal. They will require
(a) a soldering iron tip that is slightly larger than the joint and desoldering braid,
(b) possibly higher temperatures, which may shorten soldering tip life and
(c) a higher power soldering iron for faster thermal recovery.Some operators may actually prefer the original Soder-Wick® products and are more comfortable adapting their technique and equipment to lead-free solders, rather than changing to the new Soder-Wick® Lead-Free.
4) Does Soder-Wick® Lead-Free remove lead containing solders effectively?
Yes, Soder-Wick® Lead-Free effectively removes conventional lead containing solders. However, operators accustomed to the original Soder-Wick® may find that the braid heats-up more quickly and must adapt their technique.