Experiences with Chip Quik solder paste? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: knotlogic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 02:34:35 am
content: Specifically, I'm looking at their TS391AX 63/37 paste and their TS391SNL SAC305 stuff, both no-clean, no-refrigeration types.I've been using a sryinge of Kester EP256, but my current tube is way past it's expiry date. When heating it flattens out completely, and half the time doesn't appear to melt, instead turning into a dull grey sludge. When it does work, I end up with a lot of solder balls along the sides of passives that I need to clean up. None of which was happening when the paste was fresh, so I'm putting it all down to age. Unfortunately CML Supply is out of stock, but I've found the Chip Quik stuff seems easy to get hold of.There doesn't seem to be much mention of Chip Quick paste out there though. And they do offer quite a few varieties of solder paste - both the types I mentioned above also seem to have "standard refrigeration" counterparts - so what mitght be said about one type might not hold true for the rest. I'd prefere the no-refrigeration types as I reckon they'll last me longer.I've thought about trying some GC10, but nobody seems to sell it in small quantities. I do mostly one offs, and somewhat intermittently nowadays, so although a jar of GC10 might be more cost effective, I'd never be able to make use of more than a small fraction of it. Plus comments here indicate it's better suited to stencil use rather than manual placement, which is what I'm almost always doing.And between the two, should I stick to leaded solder instead of the SAC305? I know the former is traditionally easier to work with, but is the difference that great? Is lead-free paste deserving of its reputation or has it gotten a lot better?Thanks!

author: spongle
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 12:43:25 pm
content: I use ChipQuik SMDLTLFP regularly and like it a lot but my usage is prototyping/hobbyist scale. With the low melting point it's easy to use in my DIY oven, and easy to rework with hot air.I've also used GC10 and it definitely gives a nicer looking result, but the reflow temp is higher. And like you mentioned, it's a lot thicker.Curious why you don't use a stencil though? I used to do manual placement, but when I can add a stencil to my PCB order for $5, it's a no brainer to me.

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 25, 2019, 01:26:19 pm
content: Quote from: knotlogic on October 25, 2019, 02:34:35 amI'm using the TS391AX 63/37 paste. It fine, just take care of it not drying out in the nozzle. Apart from that, works nicely, just apply it sparingly.

author: knotlogic
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2019, 09:06:17 am
content: Quote from: spongle on October 25, 2019, 12:43:25 pmCouple of reasons. First off is I'm relatively new to solder paste - been working with solder wire, but paste and hot air is so much easier and, in the case of exposed pad SMDs, necessary. Second, I don't have an oven and am using a hot air pencil. Besides only just getting started, I haven't been doing the volume where it makes sense and I'm somewhat tight on space to have an oven around (which are probably reasons 3 and 4). Also, it seems like a stencil involves a lot more clean up work.I've tried a stencil + hot air once, but the fine pitch pads seemed to have a lot of slump when I took the stencil off. Granted, it was with a cheap kapton stencil, EP256 was probably not the right stuff for it, and being my first, I didn't have the practice.Still, if I start doing more boards I might consider it. I just have to get all the above worked out.Quote from: thinkfat on October 25, 2019, 01:26:19 pmThanks! How do you store it and how long has it lasted you if you don't mind me asking?

author: thinkfat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 26, 2019, 09:50:02 am
content: Quote from: knotlogic on October 26, 2019, 09:06:17 amI bought a 15g syringe in January this year. I store it in a drawer in my lab, room temperature. It looks like it'll last me for a couple of years, by the rate I'm using it. I'm sure it'll dry up before I can completely consume it.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 09, 2025, 09:28:27 pm
content: I bought my chipquick TS391AX more than four years ago (bought it from Digikey on 4 Dec 2020). It was stored in the drawer, with needle open. You won't believe but... it still works!And even the needle is not blocked. Okay, the paste inside doesn't look good when looking closely, but I just soldered esp32 module with it. I think it will be good at least for 0603 parts, probably for 0402 too. I'm happy I don't have to buy a new paste (yet)! I hope they don't use too nasty chemicals to achieve such an impressive shell life.

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2025, 02:42:38 pm
content: Quote from: exe on January 09, 2025, 09:28:27 pmI only buy paste in jars because it's easier for working with stencil as you can easily put excess back into jar after you're done printing. Whenever I have to use old paste, I add some tacky gel flux into it and mix it well before use. This never caused any problems.

author: prutser
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2025, 06:48:07 pm
content: I use 391AX (hobby use) not much experience yet, but until now, no problems due to the paste.Used with JLPCB stencils and 0.5mm pitch QFN in a modified T962 oven.Have not tried it with hot air, so no experience with thar respect.

author: stryker
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2025, 01:41:36 pm
content: I bought some SMD291SNL this week, and since it came with a profile card I tweaked the oven to suit (I thought) it more.Overall result is pleasing, though due to my teething problems with it I've had more reworking than usual/expected including a couple of tombstones. I need to recheck the profile against the card before I use it next time, and may revert to my old profile and see if that does better, as that's worked across a couple of different brands in the past without change. Also I was a bit heavy handed with the quantity so I'll have to be more vigilant on that.