Thoughts on AliExpress solder paste? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 06:01:22 pm
content: I'm about to order parts and PCBs for a project that has 4 .5mm pitch 6-pin SON packages on it. The smallest thing I've soldered (by hand) is a SOT23-6, so this is quite a jump. I have a hot air gun, so it seems that solder paste would be the best way to go.I've foundthisand several similar items on AliExpress and eBay. Has anyone got any experience with Chinese soldering supplies? My experiences with AliExpress have generally been pretty good in the past, but I don't know what they're like for consumables. I'm also looking to get some gel flux, so would AliExpress be OK for that?Thanks,microbug

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 06:21:23 pm
content: I've tried it before. You get less than the bottle states (I made a thread about it somewhere here), but it works fine. Used it for some QFN16s and it was okay.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 06:39:41 pm
content: I use "Senju Sparkle Paste" from ebay, which seems to be pretty good

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 06:50:40 pm
content: That looks fairly reputable, but there's no way I'm going to get through 500g (the only size I could find) with the amounts I'm planning to use. It'll probably go off before I get to use it all.I found yourthread8086. Sounds like you got unlucky, but at the price it's going for I don't really mind if I get 25g rather than 50g. I'll get some stuff of AliExpress.Thanks for the advice; this sort of thing seems pretty expensive if bought from a 'proper' supplier like Farnell.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 07:02:54 pm
content: Look up CML Supply (or Supplies) on ebay, can buy small quantities from them, i used them a few times, good paste (i used lead type)

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 07:04:55 pm
content: I've just ordered some from the AliExpress seller. We can compare delivery times and weights when they arriveLast time I ordered solder paste I got a tin of flux (doh!)(Something likehttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231589090333)I wonder if it can be used like that "tacky flux" used for BGA soldering?

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 07:08:16 pm
content: I would have thought that flux is for heavy duty soldering (pipes, etc.) but I could be wrong. You should check that it won't dissolve your board!All the reviews of cheap solder paste (I checked Dealextreme and AliExpress) say that it's fine, and a few say that they got less than they ordered. I'm ordering it now, I can PM you when it arrives Macbeth

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 08:20:53 pm
content: Mechanic solder paste is more or less OK but have some downsides compared to good branded solder pastes:1. More flux residues left after the reflow.2. Flux residues are extremely hard to remove with IPA and other solvents.3. More balling happens.Also, there is only about half of the stated weight. So it is OK for DiY if you have limited funds but better to get something more expensive if you can.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 08:25:05 pm
content: QuoteWell I have used it to help with some soldering, including fitting some microUSB surface mount connectors and I haven't had any comeback yet!It's also sold in plastic tubs as suitable for BGA, it's PH neutral and no cleanhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201427137319I've not tried using it in a syringe yet, the more expensive stuff seems to come in syringes. This stuff may be too thick for that.ETA: ...and wraper is on the thread so will tell me off now

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 09:14:10 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on September 24, 2015, 08:20:53 pmAll fine by me. I'm a tightwad and this is only on a very limited DIY basis (i.e., when I can't hand solder something).

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 10:59:26 am
content: So my MECHANIC solder paste arrived this morning. 2.5 weeks. It's short of the 50g listed. No weight printed on it. My guess is 25-30g paste and 5-10g for the container.I think the seller is using more optimistic Won Hung Lo scales than my calibrated one.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 11:23:12 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on October 13, 2015, 10:59:26 amYup pretty typical for solderpaste to be very underweight. Lodge a dispute, ask for a pro-rated refund, say 20%.Dealxtreme used to sell solderpaste which was actually legitimate weight, but they discontinued it about a year back for some reason.edit to add,this is the same as dx used to sell from memorylooking at the feedback looks like the weight is at least mostly legit at 50g *gross*

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 11:59:35 am
content: At the same time, if you order paste like this, you probably haven't plans to use so much of it?, at least, if it works, I find these small containers more practical due to size, but if I would use more, or would like good quality I would trust, I would order proper stuff from Farnell or other suppliers.And the price for these are just $3-4, so no big loss anyway, they weight on mine are all over the place, I think some was around correct weight, some are around half etc

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2015, 12:24:43 pm
content: Well, I wasn't going to bother, but I am impressed with sleemanj's credentials as "professional tightwad" so I've only gone and opened a disputeQuoteI've uploaded my pic to AliExpress as evidence.