It’s been a while since I’ve written a comprehensive series, but they have always been well received. In the past, I’ve covered topics such as Tips and Tricks for NanoFoil® and Strange Properties of Indium, but today I'm going to introduce a new topic: pure indium preforms. Buckle-up and prepare to geek-out, because you’re about to learn about all the basics of specifying, making, and applying preforms made from my favorite element - INDIUM!
Why this topic? Why specifically pure indium? Well, I have written a series regarding solder preforms in the past - but there are so many unique caveats to working with indium (as compared to other solder alloys) that I just had to share this with you. Pure indium’s softness and ability to cold weld to itself are main reasons why it is processed, packaged, and handled differently than other alloys. We will be covering topics such as specifying the purity level for you indium preforms, how to cut your own prototypes, and best practices for reflow (melting) or using it in compression. I hope you stay tuned and check back as we explore the world of pure indium preforms.
All the best,
~Jim