Solder Alloys Test - Lead and Lead Free Solder

Solder Alloys Test - Lead and Lead Free Solder : 60/40 - 63/37 (Eutectic) - 99.3/Cu0.7 - 99/Ag0.3/Cu0.7 (SAC) - 96.5/Ag3/Cu0.5 (SAC305) 60/40 and 63/37 shiny like mirror, experiment when soldering is same and price near similar, if you want low price choose 60/40 99.3/Cu0.7 (#1), 99/Ag0.3/Cu0.7 (#2), 96.5/Ag3/Cu0.5 (#3) #2 and #3 shiny like aluminum (similar aluminum case of macbook), #1 shiny like fusion between mirror and aluminum. If you want use lead-free and shiny like lead, choose #1 Temperature soldering #1 #2 similar, #3 lower a little bit. So, feel when soldering #3 easy a little bit than #1 and #2 Price #1 #2 near similar, price #3 approximate double of #1 #1 #2 #3 need high temperature when soldering, so have risk that can damage chip if you hold soldering iron for long time if you want use lead-free and no problem with money, choose #3 and soldering as fast as possible So, choose Lead or Lead Free ? Nothing is perfect. My conclusions Lead : best for soldering Lead Free : best for health & environment I recommend use Lead Solder, except your application require RoHS or you care about health & environment