Should I return this flux to DigiKey? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 06:58:38 pm
content: I ordered ChipQuik tacky flux from Digikey and got one full of air bubbles. The pictures below show the old flux (exactly same digikey part number) and the new one I just got. Should I return it? My concern is that the air bubbles will cause accelerated degradation of the flux

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 07:32:42 pm
content: i've noticed thos bubbles also at the chipquick sold at fry's.i think they changer their formulation

author: DanielS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 07:38:40 pm
content: You can ask the manufacturer.My guess is that it does not really matter: since the bubbles are contained within the flux, they are saturated in whatever volatile compounds the flux contain and will not cause further degradation beyond that - assuming the bubbles themselves are actually air instead of bubbles of said volatile compounds.I might be more worried about getting cheated out of 1cc (10%) due to bubble volume.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 09:25:33 pm
content: flux is sold per weight. 10 grams. so bubbles dont matter

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 09:28:24 pm
content: no they dont. the syringe with bublles clearly says Net weight : 10 grams.the older syringe says 10 cc

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 09:28:50 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on May 16, 2015, 09:28:24 pmYes, I just double checked and it indeed says 10g in a 10cc syringe.

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 09:51:36 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on May 16, 2015, 09:28:50 pmThe Miracle of Modern Marketing!Wonders never cease.

author: Tomorokoshi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 09:54:52 pm
content: I just looked at my tube of it that I got around a year ago. When I got it they sent a pusher that was supposed to snap into the plunger, but it clearly was made for a different syringe, so it didn't fit.I wonder if there is also a difference between the syringes and I got a pusher that goes with the new design.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 11:38:33 pm
content: Quote from: Tomorokoshi on May 16, 2015, 09:54:52 pmThe pushers of my old and new chipquik flux do not snap to the cylinder. It works well for me though because I can store it in a smaller plastic bag.

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2015, 11:49:33 pm
content: We haven't fully answered the original poster's (zapta) question. I would:1. use the syringe until empty2. contact chipquick with your concerns, this isn't digikey's problem3. depending on the results of 1 and 2 maybe consider another brand of flux.

author: Pjotr
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2015, 08:49:09 am
content: It's up to you (OP): If it does the task and you will not take the hassle of sending it back, I wouldn't bother. But it is a sign of a faulty manufacturing process and personally I would send it back.

author: matseng
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2015, 09:19:40 am
content: Quote from: chickenHeadKnob on May 16, 2015, 11:49:33 pmAs Digikey is the seller of the goods it would be their problem to make the replacement - at least it would be in most countries. A seller can't in general not just refer the buyer to the manufacturer for warranty claims and faulty goods replacement.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2015, 10:37:37 am
content: I avoid chipquik stuff now, i've hat issues with it a bit too often.Their paste is terrible for hand application with a syringe, it keeps oozing out of the needle for 10 seconds after you stop pressing and doesnt stick very well when you touch it to the pads.Tried some LOCTITE/Multicore paste in my last digikey order and damn its so much nicer to use.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2015, 10:43:40 am
content: Quote from: Psi on May 17, 2015, 10:37:37 amI ordered such last year. It is full of air bubbles, therefore PITA to apply from syringe. Paste itself is good though, no issues if used with a stencil.

author: LabSpokane
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2015, 02:36:03 pm
content: Use a scale if you have one. I was looking at flux last night and I think those 10cc tubes normally weigh 30g net. So maybe they've been able to replace 2/3 of the product with air....

author: chickenHeadKnob
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2015, 01:33:15 am
content: Quote from: matseng on May 17, 2015, 09:19:40 amI would generally agree but in this case I am not sure it is clear that the goods are faulty. If it sold by weight and still works as flux what would be the customer claim? Digi-key might replace anyway just to keep a happy customer, but that doesn't resolve the issue. Only chip-quick can give an answer.

author: Tombs Balsam
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 18, 2015, 02:15:27 am
content: If it doesn't influence use, I think it needn't to changeIf it influence the use, Do not hesitate to change it or re-turn it to DIGIKEY

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2015, 03:21:38 am
content: Quote from: LabSpokane on May 17, 2015, 02:36:03 pm17g without the needle and plunger.I contacted Digikey by chat and they will check if the rest of their stock is the same. This bubbly flux looks ugly. I am open for suggestion for good non clean takcy flux from other vendors. I am using leaded solder if it matters.

author: philpem
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2015, 08:02:19 am
content: Quote from: zapta on May 18, 2015, 03:21:38 amI've got some Ersa "F-SW 32" flux syringes, picked up cheap from the Farnell trade counter some years ago -- this seems to be good quality stuff, even when about five years out of date!Nearest I can find in the current Farnell catalogue is this:http://uk.farnell.com/ersa/fmkanc-32-005/flux-cartridge-5ml/dp/874681?categoryId=700000006498which according to the PDF is the same stuff. My syringes all say "ERSA Microbond" on them, and are labelled in German. Oddly, this stuff is white, not the more common transparent orange of most RMA gel fluxes.I've also got some (er... ten) Multicore "Multifix 425-01" flux syringes, same source, but only a year out of date. Seems to be a more standard flux composition in that it's light transparent orange in colour, but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet (I'm trying to use up all the Ersa flux first).Cheers,Phil.