NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: B 32 – 04

Standard Specification for

Solder Metal1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B 32; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope Store Products Including Tall Oil and Other Related

1.1 This specification covers solder metal alloys (commonly Products
known as soft solders) used in non-electronic applications, D 465 Test Methods for Acid Number of Naval Stores
including but not limited to, tin-lead, tin-antimony, tin- Products Including Tall Oil and Other Related Products
antimony-copper-silver, tin-antimony-copper-silver-nickel, tin- D 509 Test Methods of Sampling and Grading Rosin
silver, tin-copper-silver, and lead-tin-silver, used for the pur- E 28 Test Methods for Softening Point of Resins Derived
pose of joining together two or more metals at temperatures from Naval Stores by Ring-and-Ball Apparatus
below their melting points. Electronic grade solder alloys and E 29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
fluxed and non-fluxed solid solders for electronic soldering Determine Conformance with Specifications
applications are not covered by this specification as they are E 46 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Lead- and
under the auspices of IPC – Association Connecting Electronic Tin-Base Solder3
Industries. E 51 Method for Spectrographic Analysis of Tin Alloys by

iTeh Standards
1.1.1 These solders include those alloys having a liquidus the Powder Technique3
temperature not exceeding 800°F (430°C). E 55 Practice for Sampling Wrought Nonferrous Metals and
Alloys for Determination of Chemical Composition
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1.1.2 This specification includes solders in the form of solid
bars, ingots, powder and special forms, and in the form of solid E 87 Methods for Chemical Analysis of Lead, Tin, Anti-
and flux-core ribbon, wire, and solder paste. mony, and Their Alloys (Photometric Method)3

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1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
E 88 Practice for Sampling Nonferrous Metals and Alloys
in Cast Form for Determination of Chemical Composition
information only. 2.2 Federal Standard: 4
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ASTM B32-04
2.3 Military Standard: 5
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responsibility of the user of this standard to become familiar MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
with all hazards including those identified in the appropriate 3. Terminology
Material Safety Data Sheet for this product/material as pro-
vided by the manufacturer, to establish appropriate safety and 3.1 Definition:
health practices, and determine the applicability of regulatory 3.1.1 producer, n—the primary manufacturer of the mate-
limitations prior to use. rial.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.1 lot, n—The term “lot” as used in this specification is
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 defined as follows:
D 269 Test Method for Insoluble Matter in Rosin and Rosin 3.2.1.1 Discussion—For solid solder metal, a lot consists of
Derivatives all solder of the same type designation, produced from the
D 464 Test Methods for Saponification Number of Naval same batch of raw materials under essentially the same
conditions, and offered for inspection at one time.
3.2.1.2 Discussion—For flux–core solder, a lot consists of
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B02 on
all solder of the same core mixture, produced from the same
Nonferrous Metals and Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
B02.02 on Refined Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Their Alloys.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2004. Published November 2004. Originally
3
approved in 1919. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as B 32 - 03. Withdrawn.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Englewood, CO 80112.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
the ASTM website. Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 B 32 – 04
batch of raw materials under essentially the same conditions 7.2.1 Type R—The flux is composed of Grade WW or WG
and offered for inspection at one time. gum rosin of Test Methods D 509. The rosin shall have a
3.2.2 lot number,, n—The term “lot number” as used in this toluene–insoluble matter content of not more than 0.05
specification refers to an alphanumeric or numerical designa- weight % in accordance with Test Method D 269, a minimum
tion for a lot which is traceable to a date of manufacture. acid number of 160 mg KOH/1 g sample in accordance with
Test Methods D 465, a minimum softening point of 70°C in
4. Classification accordance with Test Methods E 28, and a minimum saponi-
4.1 Type Designation—The type designation uses the fol- fication number of 166 in accordance with Test Methods
lowing symbols to properly identify the material: D 464. When solvents or plasticizers are added, they must be
4.1.1 Alloy Composition—The composition is identified by nonchlorinated.
a two-letter symbol and a number. The letters typically indicate 7.2.2 Type RMA—The flux is composed of rosin conform-
the chemical symbol for the critical element in the solder and ing to 7.2.1. Incorporated additives provide a material meeting
the number indicates the nominal percentage, by weight, of the the requirements of 8.1.2 for type RMA. When solvents or
critical element in the solder. The designation followed by the plasticizers are added, they must be nonchlorinated.
letters A or B distinguishes between different alloy grades of 7.2.3 Type RA—The flux is composed of rosin conforming
similar composition (see Table 1). to 7.2.1. Incorporated additives provide a material meeting the
4.1.2 Form—The form is indicated by a single letter in requirements of 8.1.2 for Type RA. When solvents or plasti-
accordance with Table 2. cizers are added, they must be nonchlorinated.
4.1.3 Flux Type—The flux type is indicated by a letter or 7.2.4 Type OA—The flux is composed of one or more
combination of letters in accordance with Table 3. water-soluble organic materials.
4.1.4 Core Condition and Flux Percentage (applicable only 7.2.5 Type OS—The flux is composed of one or more
to flux-cored solder)—The core condition and flux percentage water-insoluble organic materials, other than Types R, RMA,
is identified by a single letter and a number in accordance with and RA, which are soluble in organic solvents.
Table 4. 7.2.6 Type IS—The flux is composed of one or more
4.1.5 Powder Mesh Size and Flux Percentage (applicable
iTeh Standards
inorganic salts or acids with or without an organic binder and
only to solder paste)—The powder mesh size and flux percent- solvents.
age is identified by a single letter and a number in accordance
with Table 5.
5. Ordering Information
(https://standards.iteh.ai) 8. Physical Properties and Performance Requirements
8.1 Solder Paste—Solder paste must exhibit smoothness of

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texture (no lumps) and the absence of caking and drying.
5.1 Orders for material under this specification indicate the 8.1.1 Powder Mesh Size—The solder powder mesh size
following information, as required, to adequately describe the shall be as specified (see 5.1.1 and 4.1.5) when the extracted
desired material. solder powder is tested as specified in 13.4.
5.1.1 Type designation (see 4.1), ASTM B32-048.1.2 Viscosity—The viscosity of solder paste and the
5.1.2 Detailed requirements for special forms,
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5.1.3 Dimensions of ribbon and wire solder (see 9.2),
method used to determine the viscosity must be agreed upon
between the supplier and purchaser. The following variables
5.1.4 Unit weight, must be taken into account when relating one viscosity
5.1.5 Packaging (see Section 18), measurement to another type of viscometer used, spindle size
5.1.6 Marking (see Section 17), and shape, speed (r/min), temperature of sample, and the use or
5.1.7 ASTM specification number and issue, marked on (a) non-use of a helipath.
purchase order and (b) package or spool, and 8.2 Requirements for Flux—The flux must meet the physi-
5.1.8 Special requirements, as agreed upon between sup- cal and performance requirements specified in Table 6 as
plier and purchaser. applicable.
6. Materials and Manufacture 8.2.1 Solder Pool—When solder is tested as specified in
13.3.2, there must be no spattering, as indicated by the
6.1 The producer must have each lot of solder metal as presence of flux particles outside the main pool of residue. The
uniform in quality as practicable and of satisfactory appearance flux must promote spreading of the molten solder over the
in accordance with best industrial practices. Each bar, ingot, or coupon to form integrally thereon a coat of solder that shall
other form in which the solder is sold must be uniform in feather out to a thin edge. The complete edge of the solder pool
composition with the entire lot. must be clearly visible through the flux residue.
7. Chemical Composition 8.2.2 Dryness—When solder is tested as specified in 13.3.2,
the surface of the residue must be free of tackiness, permitting
7.1 Solder Alloy—The solder alloy composition is as speci-
easy and complete removal of applied powdered chalk.
fied in Table 1.
8.2.3 Chlorides and Bromides Test—When the extracted
NOTE 1—By mutual agreement between supplier and purchaser, analy- flux is tested as specified in 13.3.6, the test paper will show no
sis may be required and limits established for elements or compounds not chlorides or bromides by a color change of the paper to
specified in Table 1. off-white or yellow white.
7.2 Flux (applicable to flux-core ribbon, wire, and solder 8.2.4 Copper Mirror Test—When tested as specified in
paste): 13.3.7, the extracted flux will have failed the test if, when

2
 TABLE 1 Solder Compositions - wt% (range or maximum)
Composition, %A Melting RangeB
Alloy Sn Pb Sb Ag Cu Cd Al Bi As Fe Zn Ni Ce Se Solidus Liquidus UNS
Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Number
°F °C °F °C
Section 1: Solder Alloys Containing Less than 0.2 % LeadC
Sn96 Rem 0.10 0.12 3.4–3.8 0.08 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 430 221 430 221 L13965
max
Sn95 Rem 0.10 0.12 4.4–4.8 0.08 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 430 221 473 245 L13967
Sn94 Rem 0.10 0.12 5.4–5.8 0.08 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 430 221 536 280 L13969
Sb5 94.0 min 0.20 4.5-5.5 0.015 0.08 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.04 0.005 ... ... ... 450 233 464 240 L13950
ED Rem 0.10 0.05 0.25–0.75 3.0–5.0 0.005 0.005 0.02 0.05 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 440 225 660 349 L13935
HAD Rem 0.10 0.5–4.0 0.1–3.0 0.1–2.0 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.5–4.0 ... ... ... 420 216 440 227 L13955
HBD Rem 0.10 4.0–6.0 0.05–0.5 2.0–5.0 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.01 0.05–2.0 ... ... 460 238 660 349 L13952
HND Rem 0.10 0.05 0.05–0.15 3.5–4.5 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.005 0.15-0.25 ... ... 440 225 660 350 L13933
PTD Rem 0.2 0.25–4.0 0.05–0.50 0.25–4.0 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.01 0.02 0.005 0.005 0.01– ... 430 221 435 224
0.25
ACD Rem 0.10 0.05 0.2–0.3 0.1–0.3 0.005 0.005 2.75– 0.05 0.02 0.005 0.001 ... ... 403 206 453 234 L13964
3.75
D
OA Rem 0.2 0.05 0.05–0.3 2.0–4.0 0.005 0.005 0.5–1.5 0.05 0.04† 0.05 ... ... ... 420 216 460 238 L13937
AM Rem 0.10 0.8–1.2 0.4–0.6 2.8–3.2 0.005 0.005 0.15 0.05 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 430 220 446 230 L13938
TC Rem 0.20 0.05 0.015 4.0–5.0 0.005 0.005 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.005 0.005 ... 0.04– 419 215 660 350 L13931
0.20
WS

Sn70
Rem

69.5–71.5
0.10

Rem
1.0–1.5

0.50
0.2–0.6

0.015
3.5–4.5

0.08
0.005

0.001
iTeh Standards
0.005 0.02 0.05 0.02
Section 2: Solder Alloys Containing Lead
0.005 0.25 0.03 0.02
0.005

0.005
...

...
...

...
...

...
440

361
225

183
660

377
350

193
L13939

L13700
Sn63
Sn62
Sn60
62.5–63.5
61.5–62.5
59.5–61.5
Rem
Rem
Rem
0.50
0.50
0.50
0.015
1.75–2.25
0.015
0.08
0.08
0.08
ttps://standards.iteh.
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.005
0.005
0.005
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
361
354
361
183
179
183
361
372
374
183
189
190
L13630
L13620
L13600

B 32 – 04
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Sn50 49.5–51.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.025 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 421 216 L55031
3

Sn45 44.5–46.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.025 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 441 227 L54951
Sn40A 39.5–41.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 460 238 L54916
Sn40B 39.5–41.5 Rem 1.8–2.4 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 365 185 448 231 L54918
Sn35A 34.5–36.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 447 247 L54851
Sn35B 34.5–36.5 Rem 1.6–2.0 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 ASTM B32-04
0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 365 185 470 243 L54852
Sn30A 29.5–31.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 491 255 L54821
Sn30B 29.5–31.5 Rem 1.4–1.8 0.015 0.08 0.001://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/8f9fa
0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 365 185 482 250 L54822
Sn25A 24.5–26.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 511 266 L54721
Sn25B 24.5–26.5 Rem 1.1–1.5 0.015 0.08 0.001 b55-48f0-b145-6348575b1f92/astm-b32-04
0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 365 185 504 263 L54722
Sn20A 19.5–21.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 361 183 531 277 L54711
Sn20B 19.5–21.5 Rem 0.8–1.2 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 363 184 517 270 L54712
Sn15 14.5–16.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 437 225 554 290 L54560
Sn10A 9.0–11.0 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 514 268 576 302 L54520
Sn10B 9.0–11.0 Rem 0.20 1.7–2.4 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 514 268 570 299 L54525
Sn5 4.5–5.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 586 308 594 312 L54322
Sn2 1.5–2.5 Rem 0.50 0.015 0.08 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 601 316 611 322 L54210
Ag1.5 0.75–1.25 Rem 0.40 1.3–1.7 0.30 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 588 309 588 309 L50132
Ag2.5 0.25 Rem 0.40 2.3–2.7 0.30 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 580 304 580 304 L50151
Ag5.5 0.25 Rem 0.40 5.0–6.0 0.30 0.001 0.005 0.25 0.02 0.02 0.005 ... ... ... 580 304 716 380 L50180
A
For purposes of determining conformance to these limits, an observed value or calculated value obtained from analysis shall be rounded to the nearest unit in the last right-hand place of figures used in expressing
the specified limit, in accordance with the rounding method of Practice E 29.
B
Temperatures given are approximations and for information only.
C
For alloys not identified, named elements shall conform to the following tolerances (wt%): >5% 60.5%, >=5% 60.25%; Impurity elements (maximum): Sn-0.2, Pb-0.2, Sb-0.5, Ag-0.015, Cu-0.08, Cd-0.005, Al-0.05,
Bi-0.15, As-0.02, Fe-0.02, Zn-0.005.
D
Grades E and OA are covered by U.S. patents held by Engelhard Corp, Mansfield, MA, and Oatey Co. Cleveland, OH respectively. Federated Fry Metals, Altoona, PA and Taracorp Inc., Atlanta, GA have applied for
patents on grades AC and TC respectively. Grades HA, HB, and HN are covered by patents assigned to J. W. Harris Co., Cincinnati, OH. Grade PT is covered by a patent issued to Precise Alloys Corporation, Bronx,
NY. Interested parties are invited to submit information regarding identification of acceptable alternatives to these patented items to the Committee on Standards, ASTM International Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive,
West Conshohocken, PA 19428. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee1, which you may attend.
† OA value for Fe 10 was corrected editorially.
 B 32 – 04
TABLE 2 Form tolerance on the specified outside diameter shall be 65 % or
Symbol Form 60.002 in. (0.05 mm), whichever is greater.
B Bar 9.3 Other Forms:
I Ingot 9.3.1 Dimensions for ribbon and special forms will be
P Powder
R Ribbon
agreed upon between supplier and purchaser.
S SpecialA 9.3.2 The unit weight of solder paste is specified in 5.1.4.
W Wire
A
Includes pellets, preforms, etc. 10. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
10.1 All forms of solder must be processed in such a manner
TABLE 3 Flux Type as to be uniform in quality and free of defects that will affect
Symbol Description life, serviceability, or appearance.
S Solid, no flux
R Rosin, nonactivated 11. Sampling
RMA Rosin, mildly activated
RA Rosin, activated 11.1 Care must be taken to ensure that the sample selected
OA Organic, water-soluble
OS Organic, organic solvent-soluble (other than R, RMA, or RA)
for testing is representative of the material. The method of
IS Inorganic acids and salts sampling consists of one of the following methods:
11.1.1 Samples taken from the final solidified cast or fabri-
cated product.
TABLE 4 Core Condition and Flux Percentage 11.1.2 Representative samples obtained from the lot of
Condition molten metal during casting. The molten sample is poured into
Condition
Symbol a cool mold, forming a bar approximately 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm)
D Dry powder thick.
P Plastic 11.2 Frequency of Sampling—Frequency of sampling for
Percentage determination of chemical composition shall be in accordance
iTeh Standards
Flux Percentage by Weight
Symbol
with Table 7. For spools and coils, the sample is obtained by
Nominal Min Max cutting back 6 ft (1.8 m) of wire from the free end and then
1 1.1 0.8 1.5
2
3
4
2.2
3.3
4.5
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1.6
2.7
4.0
2.6
3.9
5.0
taking the next 6 ft for test. In other forms, an equivalent
sample is selected at random from the container.
11.3 Other Aspects of Sampling—Other aspects of sampling
A
6A 6.0
Not applicable to flux types R, RMA, and RA.Document Preview
5.1 7.0
conforms in the case of bar and ingots, to Practice E 88. For
fabricated solders the appropriate reference is Practice E 55.
TABLE 5 Powder Mesh Size and Flux Percentage
Size Symbol
ASTM B32-04
Powder Mesh Size
12. Specimen Preparation
12.1 Flux-Cored Ribbon and Wire Solder and Solder
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A <325
B <200
Paste—Each sample of flux-cored ribbon or wire solder or
C <100 solder paste is melted in a clean container under oil and mixed
Percentage Symbol Flux Percentage by Weight thoroughly. After the flux has risen to the top, the alloy is
Min Max
poured carefully into a cool mold (care should be taken to
1 1 5 allow the flux and alloy to separate completely), forming a bar
2 6 10 approximately 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) thick. The bar is cleaned of flux
3 11 15
4 16 20
residue and sampled for analysis as specified in 12.3.
5 21 25 12.1.1 Flux Extraction Procedure:
6 26 30 12.1.1.1 Flux-Cored Solder—The flux core is extracted as
7 >30
follows: Cut a length of the flux-cored solder weighing
approximately 150 g and seal the ends. Wipe the surface clean
examined against a white background, complete removal of the with a cloth moistened with acetone. Place the sample in a
copper film is noted, as evidenced by the white background beaker, add sufficient distilled water to cover the sample, and
showing through, and must be rejected. Discoloration of the boil for 5 to 6 min. Rinse the sample with acetone and allow to
copper due to a superficial reaction or to only a partial dry. Protecting the solder surface from contamination, cut the
reduction of the thickness of the copper film is not cause for sample into 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) (maximum) lengths without
rejection. crimping the cut ends. Place the cut lengths in an extraction
tube of a chemically clean soxhlet extraction apparatus and
9. Dimensions and Unit Weight extract the flux with reagent grade, 99 % isopropyl alcohol
9.1 Bar and Ingot Solder—The dimensions and unit weight until the return condensate is clear. The resistivity of water
of bar and ingot solder will be as agreed upon between supplier extract, copper mirror, and chlorides and bromides tests are
and purchaser. performed using a test solution prepared by concentrating the
9.2 Wire solder (solid and flux-cored)—The dimensions and solids content in the flux extract solution to approximately
unit weight of wire solder are specified in 5.1.3 and 5.1.4. The 35 % by weight by evaporation of the excess solvent. The exact