This the largest single group and the most widely used of the soldering alloys. Most metals can be joined with these alloys ideally with clearances of 0.003 to 0.0005 in. Tin-lead solders are compatible with all types of base-metal cleaners, fluxes, and heating methods. Increasing the tin content of these solders produces better wetting and flow characteristics. Thus, when less tin is used, greater care should be exercised in surface preparation of the metals to be joined.
