Flux in Europe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ollihd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 08:57:58 pm
content: Hi all,What kind of Flux do you generally use for lead based soldering? I'm looking for a tacky flux, something like Amtech, but can't seem to find a decent seller anywhere in Europe. I have ordered and tested a few fake ones from Ebay, but I really would like to try the real thing.Any suggestions? Is there something similar in the EU-market? What exact model of the Amtech flux do people use? Amtech 559? 223?Any help would be greatly appreciated!

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 10:35:51 pm
content: I use Amtech NC-559-V2 tacky flux and find it very good indeed. I buy it from BGA-Reworking in the UK.. I believe they'll ship it most places too.http://www.bga-reworking.co.uk/flux-solder-paste/amtech-nc-559-v2-bga-reflow-reball-tacky-flux-10cc.html

author: ollihd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 11:22:31 pm
content: Thanks for the advice. Just out of curiosity, where does the "V2" come from? I don't see a V2-label on any of the Amtech products on their datasheet?Anyone else liking the 559?What about liquid flux? Is Amtech the way to go?

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 04:24:47 am
content: I have bought a couple of these;http://www.tme.eu/en/details/kes-tsf6502_10/fluxes/kester/The only thing that annoy me is, where to get the "piston" for them - Have to use a screwdriver to push the gel out of the syringe.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 04:42:16 am
content: Quote from: cs.dk on March 23, 2017, 04:24:47 amJust buy a normal 10cc syringe, transfer the gel into it. I don't even use a tip.

author: orbiter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 06:25:10 am
content: Quote from: ollihd on March 22, 2017, 11:22:31 pmI've no idea what the v2 is for in relation too the flux. Although NC-559-V2 is listed in their solder paste section on the inventec website. So they do use that code.. Perhaps I think perhaps that the website has not been updated in a while in relation to the NC 559 'V2' TF (tacky flux)http://www.inventecusa.com/amtech-data-sheets.html

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 06:59:22 am
content: I am using AMTECH NC-559-ASM with a DIY syringe dispenser:https://hackaday.io/project/7574-the-devil-is-in-the-details/log/24733-flux-paste-dispenserIt was bought from AliExpress, so I guess it's fake, but it works very well, and it doesn't smell at all.

author: capt bullshot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 07:12:01 am
content: I usually use Edsyn FL22, you can get it from reichelt.de, 13 EUR for a small quantity (5ml in a syringe).Works well for all kinds of soldering requiring flux

author: that_guy
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 08:26:14 am
content: +1 for Amtech paste flux. Watch out for fakes though.

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:20:28 am
content: TME.eu stocks a bunch of gel fluxes from Amtech, Kester, Alpha and AG Termopasty (a Polish company) :http://goo.gl/2u2aLD(i took the liberty of filtering out the water soluble fluxes as those are somewhat of a pain to clean properly)They sell genuine stuff, shipping costs are reasonable.I've personally only used AG Termopasty TK83 no clean liquid flux and it works great for my needs. May be worth trying out the gel fluxes from that Polish company, they're cheap enough to add to the "basket" besides one of those more expensive Amtech fluxes.

author: ollihd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 10:34:25 am
content: Thanks a bunch for the advice! I will try TME for sure. Any recommendations regarding liquid flux? I could order it at the same time. As for the difference between the Amtech 559-V2 and Amtech 559-ASM I can only see:ASM: + Compatible with high temperature alloys (221-300 °C) (not listed for V2)ASM: Stencil life: >12 hours @ 30-45% RH and 20-25 °C (V2 Stencil life: >8 hours @ 30-45% RH and 20-25 °C)I would say besides the mentioned differences these fluxes are more or less really similar. Mind someone telling me what stencil life is?I think I will try the Amtech, some cheaper ones and if someone could recommend a liquid flux as well, that would be perfect.Thanks alot!

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2017, 01:47:14 pm
content: Quote from: ollihd on March 22, 2017, 08:57:58 pmI use rosin cored solder, making additional flux unnecessary. The only time I use extra flux, is when I'm forced to use old components or boards which are badly oxidised.QuoteUse rosin cored solder, which is widely available in the EU and avoid using old components and oxidised boards.Another thing you can do, if a part is oxidised is clean it first with abrasive paper, then it's normally possible to solder it using rosin cored solder and no additional flux.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 12:36:47 am
content: You use rosin core solder without extra flux for SMD packages like TQFP?

author: TheUnnamedNewbie
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 10:18:12 am
content: I use Stanol flux (their gels, they mainly provide bulk stuff in 2.5l bottles, but I prefer my little 10ml syringe that lasts me a lonnggg time. Get it from the local electronics store). Comes in a syringe with tiny tip, easy for accurate deposition. Nice and thick at room temperature. Sure, not strictly necessary for any soldering nowadays since any half decent brand of solder will have rosin cores anyways, but it really does make SMD soldering easier in my opinion.Can wash it off with regular old food-grade alcohol and a soft brass or similar brush, which I like because I don't think every component can stand up to acetone, which is another often suggested solvent. And food-grade alcohol is cheap and we always have some in the house on account of familymembers using it for making their own limonchello and such.Only downside is that it gets really sticky, so I almost always have a bit of alcohol close-by to clean up my tweezers after every few components. Don't know which exact number it is, I'll have a look when I get home.http://www.stannol.de/en/products/accessories/rework/

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 10:19:32 am
content: Quote from: alm on March 24, 2017, 12:36:47 amYes.

author: BBBbbb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 11:06:03 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on March 24, 2017, 12:47:29 amHaven't seen it in stores around EU.ERSA has a good no clean flux (I'm guessing a rebrand), not so hard to find in stores, also not so cheap, around 20eur for 5ml. Haven't tried Stannol's flux, but their soldering wires are good.

author: twist3r
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 01:07:48 am
content: Hello everyone.I'm new to electronics and new at this forum. I wanted to share with you the information that you will read below, so in case anyone in the future decide to visit topic by trying to 'hunt down' an amtech distributor in europe, he can find this topic and 'this post' and read it.So, lets start...I was looking what flux should I buy. I did some research and I ended up at youtube watching Rossmann suggesting Amtech tacky flux NC-559-V2-TF.I know that Amtech flux is being sold (fake one) from china, and since I don't want to use fake Amtech, I was looking where to buy original one. So I've checked his (Rossmann's) website and IMO his price of $21.99 for 30cc volume tube doesn't look 'too expensive' (maybe I'm wrong, I don't know) BUT, since I don't live in USA, shipping cost would 'kill the whole purpose' of getting it. I guess shipping from USA to europe is at least 20 bucks. (plus customs fee)... NO WAY!Anyway, I checked Amtech website but I coudn't find tacky flux that Rossmann suggest (NC-559-V2-TF) listed on Amtech website (as Rossmann) already said, 'its not listed'.http://www.inventecusa.com/tacky-flux.html^ the only one from '559' serie which is listed is NC-559-ASMThey do have listed solder paste NC-559-V2 but not tacky flux (NC-559-V2-TF). At the other hand, there is a listed solder paste NC-559-ASM, along with already mantioned NC-559-ASM-TF (tacky flux)http://www.inventecusa.com/amtech-data-sheets.htmlSo, I decided to contact Amtech directly and ask them do they really have a tacky flux which they sell under name NC-559-V2-TF, and where to buy them in europe (what are european authorized distributors).I got a respond that they do produce that tacky flux (NC-559-V2-TF). She also said: "We do sell the NC-559-V2 TF to the Rossmann Repair Group". Then I was told that all their fluxes are already listed on their website. I thought, maybe I was blind.. 'lets check again'. And, again, there was NO tacky flux which I was looking for (NC-559-V2-TF) listed on their website. I also received a list of two website to check it for Amtech flux products, since they are 'closer to me'.=========================================PolandTransfer Multisort Elektronik Sp.zo.o.ul. Ustronna 4193-350 LodzPolandPh: 48.42.645.7021Fx: 48.42.640.0107Web:www.tme.pl=========================================RussiaDCM-GROUP, LLCZubovsky Boulevard, 21-23,room I, room 3,119021 MoscowRussiaPh: +7 (495) 116-00-58FX: +7 (495) 116-00-58Web: esd-line.ru=========================================So... I decided to check russian site (esd-line.ru) and...I also sent them a message asking for the price and how much would it cost shippin to send it to my country. I got a reply from them, telling me that they only distribute in Russia and not EU.I then checked tme.pl (tme.eu) and I got pizzed because on tme.eu, I coudn't find tacky flux that I'm looking for (NC-559-V2-TF) listed. tme.eu website list the flux like this:NC-559-TF^ so you're left to figureout for yoruself what is what.maybe it's NC-559-V2-TFormaybe it's NC-559-ASM-TFHere is the link of what search has found:TME search resultsSo, when you click on 30cc (ANC559TF/30) and when the page opens, you see that price is $23.81 (or 20.32 €). BUT when you click on the image itself, you see it sais: NC-559-ASI also checked other two products that search gave (for 10cc volume)One is:ANC559V2/10 (currently 0 quantity in stock)andANC559TFWhen you open a page for 'ANC559V2/10' (which has 0 in stock) you see there is no picture of the product.When you open a page for 'ANC559TF' and when the page loads, it sais "AMTECH NC-559-AS". Also the address bar link has 'nc-559-as' in the link, like:Code:https://www.tme.eu/en/details/anc559tf/fluxes/amtech/nc-559-as/Well, F*CK this!======================So, since I was confused, I sent another email as my reply to that nice lady from Amtech. I explained that russian site only distribute in russia, and that tme.eu doesn't have a tacky flux under name "NC-559-V2-TF". I told her that they only listed 'NC-559-TF' so I don't know if it is NC-559-ASM-TF or NC-559-V2-TF (which I'm looking for), and to make things even worse, once I click on the image I see the name of that image is 'NC-559-AS'.So, she replied (since I already asked her about that) that Amtech do deal with private persons (not only with firms), and its not issue for them to send the product. The only requiremant is that the minimum order quantity for 10cc volume is 20 pcs, and for 30cc is 10 pcs.Anyway, regarding my confusion at tme.pl (tme.eu) website, she said this: (now pay attention)QuoteSecond part of her reply was, what put some light on all this tacky flux naming mess:QuoteSo:NC-559-V2-TF=NC-559-AS-TF^ both not listed on Amtech website (http://www.inventecusa.com/amtech-data-sheets.html) even though Amtech do have such product and do sell them. Why they don't list them on their site, I have no clue.Here is the link to 30cc volume at tme.eu website:https://www.tme.eu/en/details/anc559tf_30/fluxes/amtech/^image from tme page for 30cc tacky fluxAnd...NC-559-ASM-TF'has a slightly different formulation than NC-559-V2-TF (NC-559-AS-TF)She also sent me few of their other european authorized distributors, so I'm sharing that here as well, so maybe we (the europeans) will finally have an easier way to buy it on our own continent=========================================NetherlandHDSAPeeleik 155704AP HelmondThe NetherlandsPh: 31.492430030Fx: 31.492430032eml: info  hdsa.nl=========================================GermanyJL GoslarIm Schleeke 108Goslar, D-38640GermanyPh: 49.53.21754221Fx: 49.53.21754222Web:www.elsold.de=========================================Great BritainInsat International1A Gateway Mews, RingwayBounds GreenLondon, N112UTwww.insatinternational.com=========================================^ for insatinternational.com, once you visit their site and click on the 'BGA Reworking tab' you get redirected to:https://www.bga-reworking.co.uk/(thats the site others also noted as place where to buy original Amtech flux)I hope this will also help other people from Europe while searching for Amtech authorized distributors. Thanks to polite lady from Amtech, now we have more information.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 09:45:58 am
content: TL; DRI bought from China twice, about 3-4 months apart, from the same vendor:- first time the "Freeshipping 2 pcs/lot No-clean Lead Free AMTECH Solder Flux Soldering Paste NC-559-ASM 10cc solder paste for $6.89 ($3.45 each)" the solder paste was translucent, no smell, incredibly high quality for the price, so I placed another order.- in the second order the paste was slightly different, more opaque, nothing special, almost didn't liked it, but still usable.

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 10:54:57 am
content: I've got the Amtech 559 tacky flux from TME, this one:https://www.tme.eu/it/details/anc559tf/fondenti/amtech/nc-559-as/And this is what I've received:the NC-559-AS-TFI've also got this dispenser for this type of flux:https://it.aliexpress.com/item/10CC-Manually-single-liquid-dispensing-glue-gun-with-10cc-syringe-set-Liquid-glue-dispensing-needles-free/32642693516.htmlIt's very handy.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 11:39:16 am
content: Quote from: Hero999 on March 23, 2017, 01:47:14 pmYou need flux for example QFN parts, reworking small parts, soldering anything below 0.65mm.Multicore 425 flux is what I'm using. I've just checked the price at farnell, and wow this thing is expensive. Good thing it lasts almost forever. Screw expiration date.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2017, 12:07:03 pm
content: Quote from: ollihd on March 23, 2017, 10:34:25 amMG Chemicals 835 comes in hobbyist friendly sizes (125ml or 1L), is inexpensive, and is readily available in both the US and UK/EU from what I've seen.Works very well IME.Multiple methods of applying it, and they're generally inexpensive as well.The most expensive I'm aware of is a genuine Bonkote refillable brush pen @ ~$16 - $20 if you can find it as a single (come in 5 packs, and it's up to the seller if they'll break them down). I eventually broke down and bought one, and now wonder how did I cope so long without it.Do note these are heavily counterfeited in China, so if you're after one, you've been warned (seems the innards don't always work).Full international distributor's listfor MG Chemicals. From what I can tell, Cicuit Specialists Europe has the lowest price @ 5.95GBP before VAT (herefor the 125ml size bottle).In regard to paste, I use the Kester TF741 and either 186 (RMA) or 1544 for liquid (CML Supplybreaks some Kester products down into hobbyist/repair shop quantities). Oh, and they do ship internationally. Some eBay sellers as well, and when I'm in Orlando, I pick up 1544 fromSkycraft Parts & Surplus.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 11:56:59 am
content: Bonkote refillable brush pen?The same thing is used by painters, various producers, 10-20 times cheaper: "Refillable Water Brush Pen For Painting"e.g.https://www.jetpens.com/blog/guide-to-water-brushes/pt/792

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 03:26:52 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on November 23, 2017, 11:56:59 amInteresting.Never knew about these. Just need to find out what the bristles are made of (i.e. can handle alcohols and acetone used as flux solvents).As per cost though, what I'm seeing on theKuretakebrush pens, they're perhaps only ~1/2 the cost or so of a single Bonkote (~$75 is for a 5 pack, which is how Bonkote sells them). Retailers can split the pack and sell them individually if they desire.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 03:54:52 pm
content: This looks interesting:https://www.nonpaints.com/en/paint-pen-stone-chip-paint-touch-up-pen-emptyIts intended for car paint so should be resistant to flux solvents.It has a combo of a needle tip applicator and a brush inside the lid.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 05:01:03 pm
content: Probably the brush material is the same, but most of the water brush pens does not have a double chamber, like Bonkote.Anyway, I just checked the prices, and there are nowhere so expensive as in $15-$20 for 1 pcs.On Aliexpress they are less than $1.5/piece in 1 pcs, totally OK:BONPEN BONKOTE BON-102 - 1 pcs $1.33, shipping includedBONPEN BONKOTE BON-102 - 1 pcs $1.37, shipping includedI have one from Aliexpress and is just fine. It works perfectly, just that I'm not a fan of liquid flux. I prefer the gel/paste flux.

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 05:09:27 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on November 22, 2017, 12:07:03 pmJBC also have something like this:http://www.jbctools.com/fl-a-flux-brush-55-ml-product-152-category-17-menu-1.htmlIt may contain 5.5 ml instead of 7, but it's cheaper and can be purchased individually.https://www.tequipment.net/JBC/FL-A/https://www.batronix.com/shop/soldering/accessories/flux.html

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 05:14:20 pm
content: From the picture, the JBC flux pen looks exactly like any water brush pen, it doesn't seem to have a double chamber like Bonkote.

author: Rolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 05:19:43 pm
content: I use this pen, works well. Must say it's my first flux experience. Going to do more SMD stuff. I have read that flux is your friend in soldering and it's true.

author: screwbreaker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 05:25:03 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on November 23, 2017, 05:14:20 pmYou have right. It's made to be used with the JBC FL-50, which is a water based flux.

author: kalel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 05:31:10 pm
content: If I understand properly, the question even if you used DIY flux (rosin with alcohol) is would it dissolve the plastic or brush fibers? Is this something that can be tested in practice, or are microscopic/invisible changes problematic?

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 06:01:43 pm
content: Quote from: kalel on November 23, 2017, 05:31:10 pmRosin flux (rosin dissolved in alcohol) doesn't attack plastic, at least not the common stuff you will find in electronics. It leaves an ugly sticky residue, though - you may want to clean that up (IPA works well for that), both for the aesthetics reasons and if you are working on some higher speed stuff.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 07:20:22 pm
content: Quote from: BBBbbb on March 24, 2017, 11:06:03 amAmazon.com will ship the MG Chemicals flux to Europe — I use their paste flux (comes in a syringe, with a plunger) and it’s great.

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 07:46:32 pm
content: Quote from: tooki onTodayat 06:20:22 AM

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2017, 08:04:27 pm
content: Quote from: RoGeorge on November 23, 2017, 05:01:03 pmFWIW, those you linked are counterfeit. If you get one that works, it's a bargain. But beware there are serious QC issues; namely the guts that make the valve don't work.Regarding the JBC pen, Hakko also offers one. Didn't order one though as it's more expensive than a genuine Bonkote.For those in the UK/EU that are interested in MG Chemicals 835 RA, Circuit Specialists Europe carries it for 5.95GBP ex. VAT (here). Least expensive source in the UK/EU market I'm aware of.

author: dorcky
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2018, 06:20:41 pm
content: Quote from: twist3r on November 22, 2017, 01:07:48 amWell... to all who are living in EU, we have now the opportunity to buy NC-559-V2 TF from TME. I just got my 2 of 10ml from there. Very good stuf! Really recommend! Not to compare to NC-559-AS...Regards!https://www.tme.eu/en/details/anc559v2_10/fluxes/amtech/nc-559-v2/

author: smile
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 10:15:31 pm
content: Bought NC-559-V2-TF from tme.eu (official distributor) I put it on copper sheet for 10 days.However it seems to be fake, on copper sheet in 10 days test.Activated and not activated it turned green color.It ate away copper without any problems. Images attached.tme refunded my purchase. You can't trust anyone these days.

author: smile
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 10:18:58 pm
content: I found NC-559-AS-TF from local store, did same test today. Lets see what happens in 10 days.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 10:55:07 pm
content: So you're complaining that leaving a massive pile of it on copper attacks the copper? Welcome to flux. That's not what no-clean means.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 11:01:03 pm
content: Quote from: smile on July 07, 2018, 10:15:31 pmHow did you activate? I did the same test, without heating it is corrosive. After heating it is not corrosive. Test duration about 9 month (so far).But! I don't understand the hype around this flux. It is very conductive and corrosive if not fully activated ==> imho not suitable for hand soldering. Most people don't even know about "activation" stuff. The flux is hard to obtain, part numbers are very confusing, datasheets are confusing and incomplete, their site is not updated, it needs to be cleaned, it can be absorbed by PCB, etc. There must be other fluxes with similar performance. It may be good it's "tacky", but the importance of flux for an average hobbyist is overrated. It's like a cargo cult, imho.I just use cheap rosing fluxes (aforementioned TK83, rf800 and DIY rusin solution) and all is fine (I don't do BGA). The performance is not great, but I use mostly new and shiny parts, so job is done. I also have some pen flux from Kester. Performance not impressive, but also does the job. All real no-clean, full activation is not required, non conductive when dry (but I can check only up to 200MOhm), good smell. I don't have a habbit of putting too much flux, so residue and sticky stains is mostly not an issue.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 11:17:27 pm
content: Quote from: smile on July 07, 2018, 10:15:31 pmWhat do you expect from non heated gel flux which does not even dry up by itself. it is supposed to clean the surface of copper, not leave it intact. The main thing you cannot trust is objectivity of your judgement.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 11:29:10 pm
content: Quote from: exe on July 07, 2018, 11:01:03 pmLouis Rossmann I guess.QuoteYep, don't use any amtech tacky flux for hand soldering unless will be washing PCBs in ultrasonic bath. IIRC Ersa flux cream and EDSYN flux gel do not significantly conduct without heating. Most of tacky fluxes do have resistance somewhere in megaohm range between nearby pads without going through reflow process.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 07, 2018, 11:40:59 pm
content: I just remembered I had alpha OM-338 I bought at TME a while ago. It is non conductive and much cheaper than ERSA or EDSYN fluxes. What I noticed over the years, if a tacky flux is clear or semi transparent, most likely it is conductive. If it is white non transparent, most likely it's not conductive.

author: smile
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 07:50:48 am
content: What abouthttps://www.synergyelectronics.co.nz/datasheets/Multifix_450-01_EN.pdfDoes it also needs cleaning ? The manufacturer says no it does not.>"How did you activate? I did the same test, without heating it is corrosive. After heating it is not corrosive. Test duration about 9 month (so far)."I heated it with hot air.>"So you're complaining that leaving a massive pile of it on copper attacks the copper? Welcome to flux. That's not what no-clean means."The "no-clean" aspect means that leaving this in place will not damage the board. Other flux types can typically be very corrosive, and over time may etch through tracks leaving the board non-operational. No-clean is useful in prototyping as it removes the need for cleaning, although for aesthetic or "I don't want this sticky stuff on my board" purposes, you may still want to.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 08:10:04 am
content: Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 07:50:48 amThat flux is conductive without reflow. Almost all of them are no clean. It does not mean you can hand solder and leave on PCB. They need to go through reflow process to be safely left without cleaning. It says low activation point. Dunno maybe hand soldering will be enough to make it non conductive under SMT parts but it's certainly is originally conductive as I checked in the past.

author: smile
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 08:21:24 am
content: Here is more infohttps://www.distrelec.lt/Web/Downloads/_t/ds/FluxGels_eng_tds.pdfSo true no clean is rosin with dissolved isopropyl alcohol only? But that is liquid, what about gel?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 08:27:23 am
content: Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 08:21:24 amIt does not have anything to do with being no clean. No clean means low residues which can be left on PCB after reflow. All non conductive fluxes I mentioned are synthetic. Non activated rosin is very weak flux, dilute it and it's basically useless.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 08:49:15 am
content: Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 08:21:24 amThere are rosin gels and pastes as well. Some are very cheap, like this one:https://www.tme.eu/en/details/pasta-l-35/fluxes/ag-termopasty/pasta-do-lutowania/. I have that one and I don't like it, performance is below my expectations. On the other side, most fluxes and I have and use are quite weak. But I use them a lot because I can leave it on the board (useful when experimenting and prototyping).

author: smile
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:05:15 am
content: I take hard rosin, add isopropyl alcohol and get the same as you link. Works well.I use it for soldering stranded wires, I also use rosin.There is also RF/800, evaporates very quickcauses no corrosion activated or not.https://www.tme.eu/gb/details/rf800_015/fluxes/ag-termopasty/rf800018/AFAIK only hard rosin can be used for stranded wires, as you can't clean them under insulation etc.If there are any better fluxes I would like to know.There is GELhttps://www.tme.eu/lt/details/topnik-zel_10/fliusas/ag-termopasty/But it's RMA, so I think it will cause corrosion. CYNEL brand does.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 10:56:30 am
content: Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 10:05:15 amI have itUsed to be my main flux, but it is too weak. I use it for SMD.Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 10:05:15 amGood question. I'm not aware of such flux. But the thing is, all fluxes are activated to some extend. Even hard rosin may have some additions, seehttps://www.tme.eu/gb/Document/b83d49f7e4fa753d03150418a2b88025/KalafoniaANG.pdf. But not of them corrosive (at room temperature). So, I think, different activation agents have different properties and not all of them are corrosive at room temperature. But that's just my guess. Unfortunately, most fluxes have poor datasheets not describing properties in details.

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 01:05:31 pm
content: I'm using this CW8500 tacky flux :https://www.reichelt.com/de/en/Flux-Solder-Paste/CHEM-CW-8500/3/index.html?ACTION=3&LA=446&ARTICLE=112697&GROUPID=4132&artnr=CHEM+CW+8500&SEARCH=flux&trstct=pos_2It's from reichelt so it's home in a couple of days after purchase.Works pretty well IMO.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 01:09:37 pm
content: Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 07:50:48 amNo-clean applies to activated flux. That giant unspread blob was not nearly fully activated.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 01:16:04 pm
content: Quote from: pyroesp on July 08, 2018, 01:05:31 pmAmount of flux for the price is a joke though.

author: smile
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 05:36:49 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 08, 2018, 01:16:04 pmHealth hazards are even worse:Hazard statementsH300Fatal if swallowed.H319Causes serious eye irritation.H350May cause cancer (see safety data scheet).

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2018, 05:38:41 pm
content: This just in: Chemicals capable of attacking metals are hazardous to your health. News at 10: Not breathing will kill you.

author: BBBbbb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 09, 2018, 07:41:17 am
content: Quote from: mariush on March 23, 2017, 10:20:28 am+1one of my favorite (actually favorite one), better than the Chinese version of Amtech that has flooded the alibay.

author: pyroesp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2018, 03:11:28 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on July 08, 2018, 01:16:04 pmYes, true, but I don't use it that often so one tube/syringe lasts long enough.Quote from: smile on July 08, 2018, 05:36:49 pmSorry, didn't find bio-flux.

author: zero9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2019, 07:49:47 pm
content: Hi,Last few syringes i have used from ALPHA OM-338, i really do like how this flux performs, leaves very little residue and cleans off really easy, but that smell and smoke is just a big no-no.I remember FL-22 flux from Edsyn was good, but for that price Amtech 559 is a cheaper option if we look at volume/price.Is there anything to recommend for BGA reworking other than these mentioned fluxes which should I try?

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 14, 2019, 06:30:49 pm
content: Another vote for edsyn fl22. Yes, bit on the expensive side, but really excellent stuff.

author: dominicM
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2020, 11:21:46 am
content: I realise its an old topic but it did come up while searching for difference between AS and V2 so it seems to be relevant still. I have been importing AMTECH flux from the USA into the EU and it is listed on Amazon.co.uk,.de,.es,.it,.fr and ebay so if you look for it my listing will likely come up as it is currently lowest price by a good bit. If there is interest I could do an EEVBlog discount and ship directly within the EU. Feel free to reply or PM.