A chemical cleaning agent, crucial in the process of joining silver workpieces, facilitates the flow of solder by removing oxides and other contaminants from the metal surfaces. This promotes a strong, clean, and electrically conductive joint. Borax-based compounds are frequently employed for this purpose, although other formulations exist to accommodate varying soldering temperatures and applications.
Its utilization is paramount in silver soldering as it prevents oxidation during heating, thereby ensuring proper wetting of the silver by the molten solder. This results in increased joint strength, reduced porosity, and improved resistance to corrosion. Historically, its use has been integral to metalworking practices, evolving alongside soldering techniques to meet the demands of increasingly complex fabrications.
