Selective soldering flux - a question for Australian chatters predominantly - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2022, 10:16:22 pm
content: I am looking for a liquid flux no clean alcohol based suitable for selective soldering application that is readily available in the arse end of the world geography.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2022, 10:42:00 pm
content: I use Kester EP256 flux as that apparently is also used in the solder paste (plus other stuff) with the same number. Kester also list its RF741 as a rework flux. It's SDS is quite similar to EP256. Both are no clean. The EP256 has an alcoholic odor and is quite liquid. I do not have the RF741 and cannot comment on it.Kester EP256 flux:https://www.macdermidalpha.com/sites/default/files/sds_pdfs/NA/4070001_KESTER%20SDS%20GHS%20AMERICAS_ENGLISH%20%28US%29.PDFKester RF951https://www.macdermidalpha.com/sites/default/files/sds_pdfs/NA/4070194_KESTER%20SDS%20GHS%20AMERICAS_ENGLISH%20%28US%29.PDFEDIT: Also used #44 paste flux that I got years ago. It's my preferred flux for new stuff and hand soldering.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2022, 11:01:47 pm
content: Kester also have SELECT 10 flux specifically formulated for selective soldering process requirement... but... It' a bit of hens teeth situation. Not available down under. Current mob handling Kester may be looking to switch brands. Situation will be resolved in say half a year.I will try Aim solder's flux FX16 and 265. No sample quantities, have had to purchase 6 litres in total just to try.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 12:14:00 am
content: Have you checked out the fluxes from Chemtools/Okay? They sell AIM fluxes and have fantastic support too. We have good results with the FX16 in our (non-selective) wave solder.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 12:15:53 am
content: NC265 gives very nice results and is slightly cleaner but my team found that it was more of an irritant when in the air.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 12:22:33 am
content: Thanks Zac,I have a couple of containers on their way, 1 litre of FX16 and 5 litres of NC265.Sadly I have spent close to AUD300 just to try out 4 of AIM's fluxes.My preference, reading data sheets would be Kester's SELECT 10.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 06:36:39 am
content: That's s shame - I would have gladly given you some samples if you wanted to drive up to the coast!

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 10:12:26 pm
content: Zac,Offered as good as done, Thank You.At least the locals will now be able to have a reference on these fluxes.In any case Okay /Aim/Chemtools lost their sales rep in QLD a man who had access to the better support of their products.Now it does not matter where you look, its all the same often "at arms length" service and support.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2022, 10:46:48 pm
content: Yes, it was a shame to lose him as he was a very good sales rep. Support from Chemtools head office is still fantastic when it comes to discussing a technical issue, but their timeliness is certainly suffering lately. Like all of us they're understaffed and too much to do!

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2022, 05:14:08 am
content: Finally tried FX-16 yesterday.Did about half a dozen assemblies.Shorts, flags and dross on the PCB significantly reduced. Very pleased with the improved first pass appearance.The joins have a much shallower solder meniscus angle and the amount of solder adhering to the joint is halved while the entire pad area is wetted.A sign of a much better joint.I am yet to try nc265. My expectation is it will be less attractive than FX-16.An update on Kester SELECT10. I think reading the data sheet it would be the better choice to date... However... Digikey have offered it as a minimum quantity purchase of AUD2500.- or thereabouts.Just so unrealistic.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2022, 07:56:33 am
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on August 11, 2022, 05:14:08 amNC265 should be a little nicer. Let us know your thoughts!