What does the term 'joint clearance' refer to in soldering?

Joint clearance in soldering refers to the gap between two pieces of metal that are to be joined. This clearance is a crucial aspect of the soldering process because it has a significant impact on how well the solder can flow into and fill the joint. The proper joint clearance allows for optimal capillary action, enabling the solder to effectively penetrate and bond the surfaces together.

If the joint clearance is too large or too small, it can lead to poor soldering results, such as insufficient wetting of the surfaces, weak joints, or incomplete filling. The control of joint clearance is essential for achieving a strong, durable connection and is an important consideration when preparing materials for soldering.