Because soldering is such a versatile skill, a solderer can pursue a variety of professional and amateur opportunities. A solderer is a person who connects metal parts with a soldering gun or iron, such as in electronic components and plumbing applications. Soldering is typically used on small parts like wires and small capacitors, as well as small pipes. Brazing is a similar activity that is done on larger pipes and components, but a solderer deals with small projects that require a steady hand.
Soldering is the process of applying a metallic material called solder to parts that need to be connected with a hot soldering iron or gun. The solder material is usually composed of 60% lead and 40% tin, resulting in a low melting point. Electric currents are allowed to flow through the components and the solder when a solderer connects two metal components with solder.
Soldering is useful for connecting electrical components, so a solderer can work anywhere there are electrical applications. Solderers are commonly used computer manufacturers because computers use several electrical components that necessitate soldering work. A solderer may be required other electrical component manufacturers, such as television and stereo companies, or personal electronic devices.
Solderers may also work in other capacities in the manufacturing and industrial trades. Machines that run on electronics, for example, frequently break down and require repair because many manufacturing plants, such as automobile plants, are partially or fully automated. To repair the electronic connections within a machine, a solderer may be hired as a subcontractor.
Soldering skills are frequently required in computer and electronic repair shops. Soldering may be required for repairs due to the frequency with which electronics and computers fail; however, it is more common to replace components than it is to repair them.
Instead of soldering, brazing is used when other materials with higher melting points are used. Brazing is particularly useful in plumbing applications, such as joining two pipes with melted filler material. A soldering iron or gun will not work for brazing. Because a soldering iron cannot get hot enough to melt the filler material, brazing is done with a torch or welder of some sort. Brazing is a more involved process than soldering, and it usually necessitates the use of more protective gear, such as goggles and heat-resistant gloves.