An investigation into the effect of solidification shrinkage on distortion of casting and flexure strength of various solders for base metal alloys. A laboratory study.

This study was undertaken to determine the distortion due to solidification shrinkage and to evaluate the flexure strength properties of soldered joints between combination of three commercially available base metal alloys and solders. Ninety rectangular bars were cast using three commercially available alloys for soldering (30 bars of each alloys). Ten bars of each alloy were soldered using electrical soldering unit and solder recommended by respective manufacturers, twenty bars (ten pairs each) were soldered using other solders. Length between the references markings on the specimen were measured using a vernier caliper and travelling microscope to check the possible solidification shrinkage. The specimens were then subjected to flexure strength evaluation using a universal testing machine. Statistical comparison of dimensional changes due to solidification shrinkage and flexure strength evaluation of soldered joints was done using analysis of variance test. Recommended Ni-Cr solders showed less shrinkage compared to that of the Co-Cr solders from the tested specimens and superior flexure strength was found in Co-Cr alloy specimen (P value P > .001) soldered with Co-Cr alloy solders.