Looking for a no-clean lead-free solder paste with shiny finish recommendation  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DigitalDeath
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2024, 07:53:03 pm
content: (Found this sample picture on the internet as a way to illustrate)We have been using GC-10 for several years but no matter what we do with our 7-zone oven we can never achieve a really shiny finish it’s always kind of dull. I’m not interested in other people’s experience with GC-10, that’s not the point of this question. We want to try something else that people have tried with good results.I’ve read Wharton in the UK has very good ones that can provide the shiny finish but apparently they’re not readily available here in the US.Has anyone used a good one that you actually use and that has given you shiny solder results that you can recommend us trying?Thanks in advance for your suggestions,John.

author: Jackster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2024, 11:09:53 pm
content: Your best person to talk to is an manufacturer about this and get them to come over to your place to evaluate your process.I'm no expert at this but as far as I know..Shiny does not always mean that the solder joint is perfect if that is what you are after.Many things contribute to the shininess of a solder joint. This is by far not a definitive list..Reflow temp, ramp and timeCleanliness of the PCB, components and solder pasteUse of surface coatings on the PCB material HASL vs ENIG etcUse of nitrogen within the ovenAmount of solder paste deposited onto the PCB, maybe too much or too littleAge of the solder paste, the way it has been stored, how dry or wet the flux is.It could be any one of these or a mixture of 2 or more.

author: DigitalDeath
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2024, 02:29:23 am
content: I forgot to say we use ENIG because we use automated test probes on gold plated pads.

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2024, 02:12:59 pm
content: Not to ask a stupid question, but do your customers require shiny? I prefer good joints to aesthetically pleasing ones. Sn100e is a lot more shiny. Our selective with sn100e and nitrogen is very shiny.

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2024, 02:49:30 pm
content: Leaded solder is also a lot more shiny...

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2024, 12:19:40 pm
content: It's only positive might be pointless but it is a positive!

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2024, 08:35:21 am
content: We too had used GC-10 for years till the paste went into the witness protection program.We have used the following (KOKI) with amazing results for the past 3+ years, with shiny joints on our bga based PCBAs.Suggest to open a dialog with the guru at Koki who has devoted his life to soldering:Shantanu M. JoshiKoki Solder America Inc.6 Kovach Dr. Unit# 614Cincinnati, OH 45215(951) 245-8755 Office(760) 504-2544 Mobileshantanukokiamerica.comwebsite:http://www.ko-ki.co.jp/en* key contact at Koki (USA)Bin LuanSymtco Inc.Tel:1-416-346-1222Email:bluansymtco.comVisit us:www.symtco.com* rep for the same in CanadaThe HTS code for the solder paste is 3810.10.0000Koki part # SOLDER PASTE, S3X58-HF1100-3 (500G/JAR)Absolutely love this no-clean paste!!

author: DigitalDeath
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2024, 05:23:01 am
content: Thank you very much. Finally someone that replied with a tested recommendation.Luckily it'sin stock here in the USso will order one right away.John.Quote from: mon2 on October 28, 2024, 08:35:21 am