SN100C Silver-Free Solder Hits Record Demand as Silver Peaks

As of January 2026, electronics manufacturers face a critical turning point. With silver prices passing a historic £2,600/kg, the industry-standard SAC305 alloy has become a financial liability. Transitioning to SN100C silver-free solder is no longer just a technical preference; it is a vital strategy for protecting production margins against volatile commodity markets like those tracked on the London Metal Exchange.

Why the surge? Explosive demand from EVs (using 25–50g silver per car), solar panels (nearly 30% of global supply), and AI data centres is straining global stocks. Further tightening the market, China implemented new silver export controls on January 1, 2026, consolidating supply through a strict 80-ton minimum annual capacity license. Tin is following a similar path, driven by AI semiconductor shortages and mining issues in Yunnan. These structural shifts mean high prices aren’t temporary.

DKL is here to help you navigate these challenges

Our UK-based technical team offers free alloy consultations, process audits, and rapid delivery of alternatives, keeping your production running without SAC305 price volatility.

As we are part of the Fenix Metals Group, we can grant access to recycled high-grade tin: Giving you stability and stock reliability
Fast lead times from Grangemouth stock
Proven drop-in for SAC305 with superior wetting

Contact Technical Team Now

SN100C Solder Saves Your Margins

Silver up >235% to over £2600/kg, tin +75% to £40/kg. High-silver SAC alloys crush electronics manufacturing profits.

The 2026 SAC305 vs SN100C Silver-Free Solder Cost Crisis

Metal	Jan 2025 (approx)	Jan 2026 (approx)	Increase
Silver (per kg)	~£770/kg	>£2,600/kg	~235%
Tin (per kg)	~£23/kg	~£40/kg	~75%

For manufacturers using high-silver content SAC alloys (like SAC305), the cost of solder is now inextricably linked to two volatile commodity markets. This continuous exposure is a voluntary “silver tax” on your production margins. Waiting for prices to “drop” is a gamble that continues to erode profitability.

Technical Advantages of SN100C Silver-Free Solder

Beyond the immediate financial relief, SN100C solder is engineered for high-performance reliability. The addition of nickel and germanium creates a stabilised alloy that produces smooth, shiny joints—highly distinguishable from the dull, grainy appearance of SAC305. This facilitates easier visual inspection and meets rigorous IPC International Standards for electronics assembly.

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Price Stability:
No silver exposure = predictable costs.

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Superior Joints:
Shiny, defect-free vs SAC305.

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Equipment Savings:
Less corrosion, longer life.

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Proven Reliability:
Billions of joints worldwide.

🔥 New: SN100CV Solder Paste

DKL’s premium SN100CV®️ paste uses sustainable recycled high-grade tin. Perfect for high-density SMT, reflow soldering—void-free joints, excellent stencil life. Silver-free cost savings + superior performance.

✅ Low-voiding for reliable BGA/QFN
✅ Halogen-free, high-speed printing
✅ Matches SN100C bar performance

Get SN100CV Quote

Get SN100C Solder Quote Now

DKL Metals, UK’s licensed SN100C®️ manufacturer: View SN100C Solder Bar.

🔍 Common SN100C Questions ▼

Is SN100C a drop-in replacement for SAC305?

Yes, SN100C is a proven drop-in replacement for SAC305 in wave soldering and hand soldering, running on similar profiles with superior wetting and shiny joints.
For SMT reflow and high-reliability needs like automotive/EV, upgrade to DKL’s SN100CV paste—same SAC305 parameters but with 30% higher fatigue strength and low-voiding for BGA/QFN.

How much can I save switching to silver-free?

With silver at >£2,600/kg, the 3% silver content in SAC305 adds a massive >£80 surcharge per kilogram of solder—a cost completely eliminated by switching to SN100C.

In 2026 market conditions, the metal value of SAC305 is well over double the cost of silver-free SN100C. For a mid-size EMS provider using 500kg of solder annually, this represents a direct saving of over £40,000 on metal costs alone, before accounting for dross reduction and equipment longevity.

Does DKL Metals provide technical support for bath conversions?

Absolutely—DKL’s UK technical team offers free alloy consultations, process audits, and bath conversion support from Grangemouth stock.
As licensed SN100C manufacturer and Fenix Metals Group member, we ensure seamless switches with recycled high-grade tin reliability.

Why is the “silver tax” impacting SAC305 prices so heavily in 2026?

SAC305’s 3% silver ties it to exploding demand: EVs (25-50g/car, +20% in 2025), solar (25-30% global supply), AI data centres, plus China’s Jan 2026 export controls (80-ton min license).
Industrial use now >50% of silver demand, driving >£2,600/kg peaks—no relief in sight.

What is the difference between SN100C and SN100CV?

While both are Nihon Superior patented silver-free alloys (Sn-0.7Cu-Ni-Ge base), the difference lies in the application-specific engineering:

SN100C: The global benchmark for wave and selective soldering. It is designed for low dross formation, superior hole-fill, and produces shiny joints that facilitate easier visual inspection than SAC305.
SN100CV: Features a 1.5% Bismuth (Bi) addition, specifically engineered for SMT reflow and solder paste. The bismuth stabilizes the microstructure, providing 30% higher fatigue strength than SAC305—making it the choice for high-reliability BGAs and QFNs in automotive or aerospace sectors.

Is silver-free solder as reliable as SAC305?

Yes—SN100C matches or beats SAC305 in fatigue life, thermal cycling, and drop-shock, with billions of joints worldwide and IPC compliance.
Less Cu dissolution protects boards; SN100CV exceeds SAC305 by 30% in fatigue strength. Proven in EMS, automotive, and critical apps.

🚀 Contact Technical Team Today

The 2026 Metals Crisis