![]() Water Based (VOC-free) – No Rosin/Resin (rare exceptions).Solvent Based – with or without Rosin/Resin.Low-Solids/No-Clean Fluxes (2%-8% solids content).With that in mind the three basic flux types can be simply distinguished in this way: ![]() However, the level of acceptability is not necessarily universal and depends on the requirements of the product. These attributes also govern whether you need to clean your boards after soldering. There are three key attributes for a flux that determine the flux categories. They work well across various surface finishes, have a relatively wide process window, handle a wider range of time at high temperature, work with leaded and lead-free solders, and burn-off well, generally leaving safer residues.† UNDERSTANDING THE FLUX TYPES: However, among these various flux options, the rosin/resin containing, alcohol-based Low-Solids/No-Clean fluxes are usually the best option for the Selective Soldering process. Only recently have flux manufacturers started producing fluxes specifically for Selective Soldering, recognizing that it is a distinctly different process than Wave Soldering. Regardless of the product or application, the Wave Soldering process was relatively the same across the industry and easier to adapt for these different fluxes. One issue is that many of the available fluxes, being used in Selective Soldering, were originally intended for Wave Soldering. Or, simply the variety of products you manufacture can influence your choice of flux-and it may even require using different fluxes for different products. ![]() Frequently the type of products you manufacture can impact the flux that is best for your process. Some fluxes are made to overcome particular issues, issues you may not have while others may be weak in an area that is an issue for you. Low-Solids/No-Clean fluxes in general, have less active chemistry and are more challenging to solder with than Rosin or Water Soluble. So how do you decide? Even if your customers, corporate management, or your available manufacturing processes dictate the flux you use, it is important to understand if the flux you are using is a help or hindrance to your Selective Soldering process. In this category there are a variety of manufacturers and many more flux choices. Water -based, Rosin or Resin Free (VOC-free).Alcohol-based, Rosin or Resin Containing. ![]() Low-Solids/No-Clean fluxes breakdown into a few other categories: NOTE: If you are required to use a Rosin or Water Soluble flux in your Selective Soldering process then you should consult with your equipment manufacturer to make certain you have the appropriate options or materials for handling these types of fluxes. After all, one of the benefits of Selective Soldering is the ability to selectively flux so that cleaning can be eliminated. But most companies using Selective Soldering avoid them because of the need to install expensive cleaning processes as well. ![]() From a flux performance standpoint both of these flux types solder very well, and there is little to evaluate. If a company is using a Full Rosin or Water Soluble flux in their Selective Soldering process, they are usually mandated to use them by their customer, or industry, and are usually producing a legacy product with a legacy reliability standard. When discussing fluxes for the Selective Soldering process, we are generally referring to Low-Solids/No-Clean fluxes, and it is the most commonly used flux type in Selective Soldering. This article outlines the critical factors of commonly available selective soldering fluxes and how they impact the soldering quality, reliability and equipment performance.įluxes essentially fall into three basic categories or flux types: Whilst often overlooked, the flux chosen for the selective soldering process has a great impact on solder joint quality, long term reliability and overall selective soldering performance. Pillarhouse International, in partnership with the Selective Soldering Academy, has produced a Technical Paper outlining the the different types of fluxs and their advantages and disadvantages.Ĭhoosing the Correct Flux – Types and Their Advantages/Disadvantages? INTRODUCTION: ![]()
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