January 13, 2026

With silver costs reaching historic highs—nearly triple what they were just one year ago—the economics of solder alloy selection have shifted dramatically. SAC305, long considered the lead-free industry standard, now carries an even steeper price premium. Its 3% silver content now contributes to the majority of its cost. In contrast, REL61, a proven low-silver alternative, offers comparable or superior performance at a significantly lower price.