[sdiy] mixing metals

[Seb Francis]

Tom Arnold wrote:
> On Thu, Jun 22, 2006 at 06:23:33PM -0700, Tavys Ashcroft wrote:
>   
>> Is there any negative effect on longevity when using lead and
>> lead-free components together with lead solder?  I know that some
>> metal alloys don't play well together and can cause to corrosion.
>>     
>
> I'm sure you will get tons of replies on this.
>
> Lead solder works on lead-free parts,
> Lead-free solder is not so good on leaded parts.
>   

Yep, what Tom said ... just avoid lead-free solder completely unless you 
really have to be RoHS compliant.  It melts at a higher temperature and 
is not so nice to work with.  Plus as Tom said, it won't work well with 
leaded parts.

I think most lead-free parts/PCBs are coated with tin or silver, so 
these metals will work fine with normal tin/lead solder.  Some leaded 
solders have a small amount of silver in also (typically 62% tin, 36% 
lead, 2% silver) so as you can see these metals mix just fine.

Seb