Functional alloy for use in automated soldering processes

Abstract

.[.A solder alloy for use in automated soldering of workpieces by application thereto of liquid solder from a molten reservoir. The alloy consists essentially of from about 50 to 57.5% by weight tin, from about 1.5 to 4% by weight antimony, with the balance being substantially lead. The alloy is preferably further characterized in displaying a solidus-to-liquidus temperature range no greater than that of a 60/40 weight ratio tin/lead solder..]..Iadd. An improved process for machine soldering a workpiece by application thereto of a liquid solder from a molten reservoir is disclosed. The improvement resides in the use of solder alloys having a composition of approximately 55% tin, 2.77% antimony, the remainder being substantially lead or approximately 52% tin, 3% antimony, the remainder being substantially lead..Iaddend.

I claim:  .[. 
     
       1.  In the process of machine soldering a workpiece by application thereto of liquid solder from a molten reservoir; the improvement wherein: said solder is an alloy consisting essentially of from about 50 to 57.5% by weight tin, from about 1.5 to 4% by weight antimony, and the balance being substantially lead..]. .[.2. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein the compositional range of said alloy is such as to further characterize said alloy as displaying a solidus-to-liquidus temperature range no greater than that of a 60/40 weight ratio tin/lead solder..]. .[.3. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alloy consists essentially of from about 51 to 54% by weight tin, from about 2 to 3.5% by weight antimony, and the balance being substantially lead..]. .[.4. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alloy by weight consists essentially of approximately 55% tin, 2.55% antimony, and 42.23% lead..]. .[.5. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein said alloy by weight consists essentially of approximately 52% tin, 3% antimony, and 45% lead..]..Iadd. 6. In the process of machine soldering a workpiece by application thereto of a liquid solder from a molten reservoir, the improvement wherein said solder is an alloy consisting essentially of approximately 55% by weight tin, 2.77% by weight antimony, the remainder being substantially lead. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 7. In the process of machine soldering a workpiece by application thereto of a liquid solder from a molten reservoir, the improvement wherein said solder is an alloy consisting essentially of approximately 52% by weight tin, 3% by weight antimony, the remainder being substantially lead. .Iaddend.