PLUMBING

Soldering is used in the plumbing industry anywhere from a rotted fuel tank to a copper pipe. It can be used to seal liquid leaks or repair radiator cores. Soldering a copper water supply line is the most common application in the plumbing industry. Heat is applied to the copper joint where the pipe and fitting meet and the gap between the joint is filled with molten metal.

ELECTRONICS

Soldering is used in the electronics industry primarily on printed circuit boards (PCBs). Solder on a PCB is the connective metal alloy that acts as the electromechanical connection that connects the components to substrate and brings electrical continuity to the circuit board. Without this convenient, low-melting point alloy, modern electronics wouldn’t be able to function or even exist.

METALWORK

Soldering can also be used in metal working and is used to make and repair jewelry and musical instruments. The solder can be used to form a bond between two pieces of metal, making it a useful tool in jewelry making and repairing clasps, clips, or cuffs. Similarly, soldering is used to fix brass or silver instruments.