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What is a maximum temperature resistance rating?

What is a maximum temperature resistance rating?

Shop for Soldering and Brazing Mats

A soldering and brazing mat is made from a combination of high temperature yarns and coatings designed to resist burning and withstand heat. Further information on the different yarns and coatings can be found in the section: What is a soldering and brazing mat made from?
High temperature textiles manufacturers will give two maximum temperature resistance ratings for each yarn and particular coating. These are classed as follows:

  • Continuous temperature resistance
  • Short temperature resistance
Continuous temperature resistance is defined as the highest temperature at which a fabric can function for an extended period without burning or losing any of its properties.
Short temperature resistance is the peak temperature that the material can tolerate over a short period (usually seconds) without sustaining permanent damage. It is usually a few hundred degrees higher than the continuous temperature resistance.
The temperature rating of a soldering and brazing mat is usually found on the packaging Each soldering and brazing mat has its own individual temperature resistance rating, which is stated on the packaging.
This soldering and brazing mat made from woven glass fibre has a continuous temperature resistance rating of 600°C. For example, the soldering and brazing mat on the left is made from woven glass fibre and has a continuous temperature resistance rating of 600°C.

This means that the mat will resist temperatures from a heat source such as a soldering gun up to 600°C for the length of time your project takes to complete.

Subjecting the mat to temperatures above the specified maximum continuous temperature - even for short bursts - will reduce the lifespan of the soldering and brazing mat. Although the continuous temperature resistance rating is given, it is not often that a soldering and brazing mat manufacturer will specify the short temperature resistance rating too.

This is because subjecting the mat to temperatures above the specified maximum continuous temperature – even for short bursts – will reduce the lifespan of the mat.

Avoid directing any flame at the mat and stay within the temperature limit.

A summary of the temperature ranges of soldering

Soft solders have a ‘low’ melting point, usually ranging from 90°C and 400°C  whereas with hard solders, it can be anything from 450°C and 850°C.
A propane blowtorch, for example, usually has an operating temperature up to 1600°C Brazing above 850°C is possible as long as the melting point of the solder is below that of the base metals.

Successful silver soldering usually takes place between 600°C and 900°C.

What are the max temperature resistance ratings of a soldering and brazing mat?

Soft soldering is used for connecting wires to a printed circuit board (PCB) The continuous temperature resistant ratings of a soldering and brazing mat can vary between 600°C and 1,260°C plus!

For example, if you have a soft soldering project such as soldering wire to a printed circuit board, then using a soldering and brazing mat that resists temperatures up to 600°C will suffice.

Silver soldering requires higher temperatures than soft soldering For joining precious metals or for brazing copper pipe however, you will need to use a mat capable of withstanding higher temperatures.

Make sure you choose a soldering and brazing mat that can resist the temperature required for your soldering process.

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