If you know what the rosin is made of and which one is considered the best, you can ensure high quality soldering. This resinous substance is used in many industries, including the processing of musical instruments.
Rosin is a gummy substance that is used in the soldering process. It can be pine and spruce, depending on which tree resin is obtained from.
How was rosin used before?
Rosin has long been used as a means for rubbing bows, with the help of which sounds are extracted from violins and other stringed instruments. In the Middle Ages, healers knew about the healing properties of pine and spruce resin, and used rosin powder as a medicinal product. For the illusionists, rosin served as an assistant in showing some of the magic tricks. In archery competitions, warriors smeared the tips of their arrows with it so that an accidental wound would not lead to infection.
In Greece, there is still a tradition of using pine rosin to coat the corks and crevices of barrels before pouring white wine into them. In the 17th and 18th centuries, rosin was added to all lubricants. Therefore, those traveling in carriages or carts were obliged to leave a fee for lubricating the wheels at their stations, since the process of producing these viscous substances was very expensive.
How is rosin used today?
Rosin and its derivatives have found application in the manufacture of paper and cardboard, in the production of plastics, synthetic rubber, artificial leather, varnishes, paints, mastics, linoleum. Rosin is one of the components of some pharmacological preparations; it is also needed in brewing. On its basis, substances are made that increase blood circulation and are used in the manufacture of aromatic oils.
But the most popular use for this resinous substance is in the soldering process. Solder is required to connect parts under the heating of a soldering iron. Rosin promotes its adhesion to the tip of the soldering iron and does not allow it to spread over its surface. This makes the soldering process much easier and simpler. For the successful connection of parts with rosin, you can rub (tin) the soldering points, or, conversely, immerse the soldering iron tip into it. In both cases, the resinous substance will ensure the adhesion of the solder.
The quality of rosin depends on what raw material it is made from and the availability of various ingredients. The most inexpensive is a product obtained from waste paper production and contains plasticizing and preserving and various chemicals. Such rosin should not be used for treating musical instruments, as it can damage their lacquer coating and have a negative impact on the health of the musician. The best rosin is Laubach. It contains 999 gold microparticles.
