The effects of prewetting on postsoldering of base metal alloys.

Prewetting the surface of a base metal alloy with solder prior to low temperature soldering produced strong, predictable, oxide-free joints similar to precious metal joints. The positive results were obtained whether the prewet base metal was soldered to other prewet base metal or to precious metals. Soldered combinations of non-prewet base metal showed lower strength, less predictability, and more oxide formation than the prewet counterparts. The prewetting concept was described for use with fixed prosthodontics or removable partial dentures.