FLUXES Neutral fluxes: Rosin And fluxes prepared on its basis. Rosin when soldering, it plays a dual role: it cleans the surface of oxides and protects it from oxidation. At a temperature of 150 C rosin dissolves oxides of lead, tin and copper, cleaning their surfaces when soldering. A very valuable property of rosin is that she's in the process rations does not corrode the surface. Rosin used for soldering copper, brass and bronze.
Alcohol rosin flux- (SKF, also known as KE, FKE, FKSp) - simple and effective for soldering printed circuit boards and radio components. Composition: alcohol 60-70%, rosin 30-40%, neutral, does not require rinsing.
FCS- radio installation flux, for soldering parts of radio equipment and printed circuit boards, water washable. Leftovers gumboil easily removed with water or alcohol solution.
LTI 120 - flux radio mounting, neutral. Composition: ethyl alcohol (66 - 73%), rosin (20 - 25%), activators - aniline hydrochloride (3 - 7%), triethanolamine (1 - 2%). It is not necessary to wash off the remaining flux; if desired, they can be easily washed off with alcohol, acetone, etc.
TAGS- radio mounting, glycerin. For soldering radio installation elements; and also for soldering carbon steel, nickel, copper and other non-ferrous metals with low-melting solders (150-320 C). Water washable. At soldering printed circuit boards have residual resistance. Requires mandatory rinsing with water or alcohol!
Active fluxes:
Soldering acid- For rations carbon steels, copper, nickel and their alloys. It is an aqueous solution of zinc chloride (15-40%). It is not used in the practice of radio installers, as it causes corrosion of the junction and destruction of wire insulation.
ZIL-1- active flux for soldering steel, iron, cast iron with solders with a high lead content. Soldering temperature range 180-400 C. Contains zinc chloride, tin chloride, copper chloride and hydrochloric acid. Not suitable for soldering radio components!
FIM- rosin-free active flux, best suited for soldering stainless steels, otherwise similar soldering acid. Composition: phosphoric acid (density 1.7, 16%), ethyl alcohol (3.7%), the rest water. Soldering temperature range is 290-350°C; after soldering, be sure to rinse with water. In radio amateur practice, it is also applicable when soldering nichrome.
MTC - active flux for soldering copper, silver, gold and their alloys. It is made on the basis of organic acids, due to which it acts mainly on oxides and contaminants and not on the metal itself. Composition: 63% technical petroleum jelly, 6.3% triethanolamine, 6.3% salicylic acid and ethyl alcohol. Leftovers gumboil remove by wiping the part with alcohol or acetone.
F38M- highly active flux. Unlike most, it fluxes nichrome, constant, manganin, most stainless steels and copper alloys(bronze, brass). Flux residues are easily washed off with water. Ingredients: phosphoric acid, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylamine hydrochloride.
Classification of imported fluxes
Classification fluxes imported production (rosin - English rosin)
R (rosin) represents pure rosin in solid form or dissolved in alcohol, ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone and similar solvents. This is the least active group fluxes, therefore it is used for soldering on fresh surfaces or on surfaces that have been protected from oxidation during storage. In accordance with the recommendations of the domestic industry standard OST4GO.033.200, this group fluxes does not require removal of their residues after soldering.
RMA(rosin mild activated - slightly activated rosin) - a group of resin-containing fluxes with various combinations of activators: organic acids or their compounds. These fluxes have higher activity compared to type R. It is assumed that during the soldering process the activators evaporate without residue. But it is obvious that the soldering process must be guaranteed to be completed by complete evaporation of the activators. Such guarantees can only be provided by machine soldering with automation of temperature-time processes (temperature profile of soldering).
R.A.(rosin activated - activated rosin). This group fluxes intended for industrial production consumer electronic products. Despite the fact that this type flux is characterized by higher activity compared to those mentioned above; it is presented in advertising as not requiring cleaning. Since its remains allegedly do not show visible corrosive activity.
SRA(super activated rosin - super activated rosin). These fluxes were created for non-standard applications in electronics. They can be used for soldering nickel-containing alloys, stainless steels and materials such as Kovar alloy. Fluxes type SRA They are very aggressive and require careful cleaning under any circumstances, so their use in electronics is strictly regulated.
No clean(does not require rinsing). This group is specially created for processes where it is not possible to use subsequent cleaning of boards or where it is difficult for some reason. The main difference between this group is the extremely small amount of flux on the board at the end of the soldering process/ Soldering aluminum Aluminum under normal conditions is covered with a dense oxide film that prevents soldering. If you remove this film and protect the aluminum surface from oxidation, then soldering happens without difficulty. The best thing solder With pure tin or solder containing at least 60% tin, it is convenient to use regular POS-61. You should take into account the high thermal conductivity of aluminum and take a soldering iron of sufficient power. For rations For thin aluminum, a soldering iron power of 50 W is sufficient; for aluminum with a thickness of 1 mm or more, a soldering iron with a power of 90 W is desirable. Soldering without flux On aluminum in place rations liquid mineral oil is applied and the surface of the aluminum under the oil layer is cleaned with a scraper or knife blade to remove the oxide film. Solder is applied with a well-heated soldering iron. It's even better to use gun oil; good and satisfactory soldering quality is obtained by using mineral oil for sewing machines and precision mechanisms, petroleum jelly. When soldering 2 mm thick aluminum, it is advisable to preheat the soldering area with a soldering iron before applying oil. The easiest way is to use special fluxes.
F61A - flux for soldering aluminum. Highly active fluoroborate-based flux, designed for tinning and rations parts and surfaces made of aluminum and its alloys. Soldering is done with solders of the tin-lead group with a tin content of more than 60% (and it is best to solder with pure tin) at a temperature of 250-350 degrees.
F-34 Flux for soldering aluminum and other light alloys. Residues are removed with water. Flux medium activity and low acidity of residues.
F-64 Flux for soldering aluminum, other light alloys of beryllium bronze, etc. Residues are carefully removed with water. Flux increased activity. Aluminum does not even have to be cleaned of the dense oxide film. There is also an option rations using gumboil, consisting of 2-3 g of lithium iodide and 15-20 g of stearic acid.
The soldering process uses an auxiliary substance called flux. The main application occurs when soldering connections at home or in production. High-quality soldering and joining of parts is impossible without the use of a special substance. Before work, materials are selected, including high-quality flux, for reliable and quick soldering.
What is flux and its key features
The main purpose of the flux is to use it for soldering several materials. The structure consists of easily alloyed materials, which can be made independently. Soldering flux is used to join products by maintaining a certain temperature at the seam level. Depending on the structure and hardness of the substance, the soldering temperature starts from 50 ⁰C and reaches 500 ⁰C. The temperature readings of the solder are taken into account higher than those of the material, only then is it possible to begin the soldering process.
The choice of a suitable structure depends on several factors; soldering flux is divided into many structures. Main parameters:
- Temperature of the soldering process.
- Type of metal.
- Temperature conditions work of matter.
- Surfaces of parts adjacent to the product.
- The material's resistance to corrosion, protection of surfaces from oxidation and its strength.
The state is divided into solid, having a threshold to high temperature and soft when the flux melts at low temperatures. In order to understand what fluxes are, it is necessary to study all the properties and purpose of the material.
Purpose
The process of soldering with refractory types of solder occurs at temperatures above 500 ⁰C. Due to the influence of temperatures and the properties of the substance, the result is a durable type of connection. The disadvantage of this application is that the part may overheat and work incorrectly after assembly.
Soldering flux is used as an easily alloyable variety in the field of installation of radio equipment and other small works. Temperature operating conditions are up to 500 ⁰C, which allows you to avoid damaging connections and boards. The main impurities during operation are lead and tin. Super low-melting types are used when working with transistors and other compounds; the oxidation surface temperature does not reach 150 ⁰C.
Flux for soldering thin surfaces is used in an easily alloyed form; solid-state, volumetric parts are soldered with hard types of solders. Why do you need flux and the main required characteristics? :
- High rates of heat transfer and electrical current conductivity.
- Strong connection.
- Acceptable stretch size.
- Resistance to corrosion processes of materials.
- The melting temperature indicators must differ from the softening of the material.
A common form for the production of soldering agent is a tin rod, the cross-sectional diameter is used from 1 to 5 mm. There are several other types such as wire spools, rosin tubes, ribbons and others.
There are multi-channel solders; the product design consists of certain materials and is used for more reliable soldering. These products are sold in a spiral form, contained in flasks and coils. Soldering of electrical circuits occurs using a tube type of composition. Due to the presence of rosin resin, the connection of copper, silver or brass materials is much more reliable.
Types of fluxes for soldering
Fluxes are divided into several varieties, mainly differing in the type of effect on parts during the soldering process. Rosin and other compounds based on it have less activity; their main purpose is soldering electrical circuits and other radio connections. The flux used for soldering microcircuits removes a thin oxide layer on materials and helps resist corrosion due to its low impact. The soldering characteristics are improved by using glycerin, alcohol or turpentine.
The choice of rosin variety of the composition is determined by its neutrality. Acid-free flux with solder is used when working with radio components due to its acid-free composition, which is a dielectric and does not generate current leakage. Based on rosin, activated types of fluxes are produced, the composition of which includes amine and acidic compounds, for example salicylic acid. The use of an active component allows you to connect different types of metals without preliminary cleaning of surfaces.
Refractory solders are widely used for large volumes of work and are resistant to sudden temperature changes and mechanical stress. These fluxes are divided into compounds with copper, zinc or phosphorus, and also completely made of silver. The use of a zinc-copper alloy is not justified because it is expensive and the strength is not high. Liquid flux is actively used for soldering copper products and automobile radiators.
Products made of copper or brass are soldered with phosphorus-copper alloy solder; materials that are usually not subject to heavy loads are used to replace silver solder. It must be remembered that when soldering cast iron, it is highly not recommended to use hard solders, since during the soldering process brittle elements are formed that contribute to the destruction of the seam. Silver is a rational option when soldering iron materials, but it is very expensive for mass work.
Active fluxes
Compositions based on hydrochloric acid in their pure form are called active substances. It is used to solder iron products. A type of active composition is also made from zinc chloride, which can be obtained at home. Soldering acid interacts with the substance due to the reactions of zinc during the treatment of material surfaces. Active flux is characterized by increased chemical activity, effectively removes films from the surface of parts, and reacts to the metal itself.
Thanks to the use of active compounds, a reliable connection of metals occurs. Increased electrical conductivity makes it possible to connect large wires or products. This flux is not applicable to radio engineering, because Chemical residues are difficult to remove from boards; they quickly corrode the connections.
Acid-free fluxes
The category of fluxes prepared on the basis of glycerin, ethyl alcohol or turpentine is called acid-free or inactive composition. Rosin is used at temperatures up to 150⁰, dissolving thin layers of the surface of copper, lead or tin metals, producing high-quality cleaning.
The main application is for the necessary soldering of surfaces without separation of materials. Used when working with small parts, electrical circuits or radio component boards.
Activated fluxes
This type is made on the basis of aniline hydrochloride or salicylic acid. It is used for soldering all types of connections that do not require preliminary stripping.
Used when joining materials that are subject to mechanical stress.
Anti-corrosion fluxes
The task of anti-corrosion fluxes is to clean the soldering area from corrosive deposits, protect against oxides when further use details. The main component is phosphoric acid, which is used in the manufacture of anti-corrosion impregnations. The main difference from acid compositions is that there is no destructive effect on the metal structure; corrosion is removed due to a chemical reaction under temperature influences.
Protective fluxes
The purpose is to protect materials from further oxidation by processing pre-cleaned parts. Distinctive features are the absence of chemical exposure due to the weak chemical activity of the substance. Vaseline, wax, olive oil, and other oily substances are used for production. The main purpose seems to be the use of microcircuits and small technical parts.
Alternative types of solders are used for different soldering purposes. A drill mixed with rosin is used for soldering copper tubes; it does not require preliminary cleaning of the product; the melting point starts at 70 degrees; no harmful substances are released during the process. Liquid solders based on gold, petroleum jelly, and salicylic acid are used when soldering radiators and single-core wires, resulting in a clean and neat seam.
Storage
The main distribution of fluxes occurs in liquid form. When storing, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions and carefully seal the packaging. Otherwise, due to depressurization of the packaging, loss occurs chemical properties and evaporation of the active material.
Flux paste is stored in rooms with relatively low humidity, in closed tubes or containers. Interaction with moisture causes destruction of the chemical composition and affects the level of corrosion when working with flux. Most fluxes are highly flammable, so it is recommended to store such substances away from fire, sun, and at a temperature of no more than 25 ⁰C. Environmental conditions with low temperatures can lead to freezing of some elements of the composition, which during operation can release moisture and form corrosion in the future.
Application of flux
The soldering process requires preparation of materials before applying the substance. The surfaces are cleaned, coated with flux, and heated with a soldering device to the required temperature. The tip of the soldering iron detaches a small part of the solder, which should spread well, after which it is evenly applied to the surface of the part.
The best composition for soldering is tin, but in its pure form it is not cheap and can rarely be found on the market. Apply tin-lead alloys, with a melting temperature of about 200 ⁰C, the connections are quite strong and strong, thanks to the active substances. The solder is designated by the letters OS, which is called tin-lead, the numbers indicate the tin content as a percentage, the end result on the label of such solders is OS-40 or OS-60.
Lead-free flux is used in small quantities when soldering contacts of complex electrical circuits, the process temperature does not exceed 300 ⁰C. Super low-melting compounds are used for delicate work, melting at 100 ⁰C. Solder of this type should flow well, does not have high strength, and is used on immovable materials.
Without the use of special elements when working with a soldering iron, it will not be possible to achieve a decent connection of parts. It is enough to try the process yourself without special solutions; it will take a lot of time to obtain a connection, and the applied solder will subsequently fall off.
How to prepare flux for soldering yourself
When soldering radio engineering materials, it is possible to use flux prepared independently. Solder is used with a diameter of 2 mm in small pieces. Preparation will require a metal container with a pre-drilled hole of the required diameter at the bottom. The tin-lead solution is heated to the melting point, after which the substance flows out of the prepared hole. After the rods have hardened, it is necessary to divide them into pieces of the required size.
The cooking process can take place in various containers; the technology consists of several simple steps:
- Weight distribution of tin and lead proportions.
- Melting occurs in a hardened crucible, which is stirred to prevent the solution from sticking to the walls.
- A thin film of deposits is removed from the surface of the bowl.
- The final stage is pouring the liquid into prepared forms.
After any soldering processes, the shock must be wiped with acetone or special alcohol. IN Lately No-clean solders have become widespread, the advantages of which are:
- Absence of components leading to oxides and corrosion.
- They do not conduct current.
- No stripping process is required after the process.
To apply liquid solder, use a brush or a cotton swab; you can use a device you made yourself for convenient work. The medical syringe is cut into two parts, a piece of silicone hose is inserted into it, the needle is shortened and bent to a slight degree.
Homemade solder paste can make the soldering process easier. For manufacturing, it is necessary to grind solid flux with a coarse file on a metal material. Using a fine-grained soldering iron is not wise, as the flux will simply clog into its teeth. The resulting powder must be mixed with rosin and alcohol; if the solder paste is thick, alcohol is added to it until a homogeneous mass is obtained. The paste is placed in a hermetically sealed container, because... if it interacts with moisture, subsequent corrosion of the welded parts is possible. For the best application and convenient use, it is possible to make a syringe from available tools.
A self-made design will help you use flux paste when applied to hard-to-reach parts. To prevent drying and reuse, you should use a wire to plug the outlet hole.
When performing any soldering work, personal protective equipment should be used. Chemical gases released during heating can damage a person's respiratory tract or visual organs. The use of high-quality fluxes prevents gas poisoning.
How to choose the right flux
The most successful fluxes for soldering evaporate little and do not burn at elevated temperatures; the results of substance deposits are easily removed from the surface, and if removal is not possible, they do not cause corrosion in the future. Solders are divided into active and inactive; the first option interacts quite strongly with deposits on metals and can cause harm to health during the soldering process. The neutral look is safer, however, the treatment of large surfaces may take a long time due to the lack of chemical influences.
Medium-active fluxes are used in radio engineering workshops. The connections are processed with a soldering iron, then with flux to ensure noticeable results and fast soldering. Such solutions usually do not foam when heated, are easily applied to joints, are widespread and are relatively inexpensive.
According to the many years of experience of our craftsmen, high-quality flux is a guarantee of perfect soldering. The choice depends on the specification of the substance and the nature of the work. Most fluxes are used for their intended purpose. Modern gel-type solders are used everywhere and are distinguished by a wide variety of active ingredients and ease of use.
To do quality work, you need good tools. An experienced radio technician selects a soldering iron, its tip, a hair dryer and solder of the highest quality, because... The price compared to analogues is not high, and the quality of work will be at the highest level. The use of the most advanced, modern soldering tools will not make it possible to produce a sufficiently good soldering without accompanying fluxes.
Today on the shelves of radio markets and electronics stores you can find great amount soldering fluxes of different purposes and prices.
Flux manufacturers offer products that truly High Quality, but it is quite difficult to find it on the market. The number and options of fakes are simply amazing in their diversity. Even if you are lucky and find an original product, its cost will differ significantly from the cost of a fake. Most potential buyers, after comparing prices, decide to save money and look for a cheaper flux. Craftsmen select the optimal set of soldering chemicals for their requirements, which suits them in terms of technical parameters and price. But to do this, they have to sort through unknown fluxes and, through experiments, select the most suitable option for a particular job.
Hundreds of cheap fluxes with high performance parameters stated on the label are sold on almost every corner. But a completely unpleasant surprise may await you inside the package.
Now let's figure it out how fluxes are diluted and how this affects their technical characteristics.
Rosin instead of flux
Imagine the situation: you bought superflux, open the tube, and instead of high-quality flux there is low-quality rosin (waste from the production of rosin). Moreover, this same rosin is also very much diluted with some kind of contaminated technical petroleum jelly.
It is simply impossible to solder or tin with such a mixture. The so-called “flux” begins to “escape” from the soldering area. As a result, we get undeserved conclusions, poor-quality “cold” soldering, and contact pads and tracks instantly fall off the board due to overheating.
Flux diluted with acid
Very often, acids (citric, orthophosphoric) or chlorides (zinc chloride) are added to an already poor-quality flux. Compared to rosin, the picture immediately changes - everything is tinned and soldered. It seems that the flux is simply superb, but electronic boards cannot be soldered with such flux. It is very difficult, and sometimes almost impossible, to remove acid residues, especially from under SMD elements. Acid can even remain inside the solder, in the pores of the solder.
As a result, after a month or two, soldering with acid (or zinc chloride) crumbles into powder along with the terminals of the radio element. Repairs will then be very, very labor-intensive, and sometimes they will be completely impossible.
Flux diluted with glycerin
It also happens that glycerin is generously poured into the flux. Glycerin flux solders great, it's cheap and there's plenty of it, but try coating a board with it. And then measure the resistance of the PCB board. That's bad luck: it conducts current from units to tens of Ohms where it should not conduct. Even if you try to wash off the glycerin, and it washes off easily, the “conductivity” of the board will still remain! Glycerin is absorbed into the PCB (the resistance of PCB not coated with copper is from 10 to 50 Ohm). For most devices this is simply not acceptable. Even the simplest and most banal schemes will fail. To somehow make the device work, try scratching the textolite between the tracks with a needle.
Conclusion: glycerin, acids, chlorides in no-clean fluxes for working with radio electronics, BGA and SMD components should not be used.
Basic requirements for high-quality flux for working with lead elements, BGA and SMD:
- lack of corrosive activity
- good tin properties
- high wetting ability
- no boiling when heated to operating temperature
- lack of electrical conductivity
- ease of removal of residues if necessary
- support for lead-free and lead-containing solders
- no-clean soldering technology (residues do not need to be washed off)
- ease of application (gel, paste)
- affordable price.
Now let's see what they offer us on the market.
All of the above requirements are met by trademark fluxes CHIPSOLDER FLUX.
The fluxes of the series are also of quite high quality SP (SP-10+, SP-15+, SP-18+, SP20+, SP30+).
No acids, chlorides or glycerol were found in their composition. SP fluxes are available in different consistencies: paste, gel, liquid (L-NC-3200, L-NC-3600). They don't spend electricity, and there is no need to wash off the residue.
These fluxes comply with all stated standards and have been tested for soldering lead parts, conductors, BGA and SMD elements, as well as sensitive solar panels.
Characteristics of fluxes and their features
Let's now look at some of them in more detail.
First, let's look at the name. What do all these big letters mean?
- G(gel) - gel-like flux.
- NC(no clean) - does not require rinsing.
- 5268 – flux index.
- LF(lead free) - suitable for lead-free solders.
CHIPSOLDER G-NC-5268-LF
This flux is suitable for soldering tinned contacts. It has good thermal conductivity; the contact pad remains on the board and not on the soldering iron tip. Gel flux CHIPSOLDER G-NC-5268 LF is a high-quality, translucent, synthetic no-clean flux with resin-like characteristics. Used for soldering and disassembling BGA/SMD components. Suitable for working with a soldering iron, hot air gun, IR station, as well as for reballing.
The flux is made from highly purified components. Conveniently secures BGA and SMD components during soldering (“fitting”). Fully supports both conventional and lead-free soldering technology. Halogen-free for long-term reliability and excellent soldering performance.
It has minimal, “soft” activity when soldering, which allows you not to wash off residues. Does not boil, does not leave a dark “carbon deposit”, after soldering it remains a transparent gel. It loses transparency only at a temperature of -5 °C, but at the same time retains its properties. Easily removed using any alcohol-based (gasoline-based) universal product and a paper napkin.
It has excellent thermal conductivity (the component heats up as evenly as possible) and is very convenient to use. Does not contain solvents, does not dry out in the open air and does not harden after soldering. Suitable for repeated use.
CHIPSOLDER –G-NC-6500-LF
These fluxes are similar in characteristics to the CHIPSOLDER series of fluxes, but they are a little cheaper. It should be noted that the cost did not affect the quality. They can also work great and get good results. Now let's look at each of them in more detail.
SP-10+
This is a cheap and pretty good low-activity flux. It is recommended to be used for mounting and dismantling FLIP CHIP, BGA and SMD components, crystals, as well as for repair work using a soldering iron, hot air gun, and IR equipment.
Has virtually zero activity. Used for soldering and dismantling tinned leads. Suitable for lead-free solders. SP-10+ is absolutely safe for radio components. Evenly distributes temperature during soldering and prevents peeling of printed conductors. It has an adhesive consistency (viscous, sticky), does not cause corrosion, and reliably fixes elements when soldering. It also does not conduct current.
The flux is used without subsequent cleaning in printed circuit assemblies. Suitable for use in a variety of environments environment.
SP-15+
The main difference is consistency.
SP-30 is a translucent, sticky gel. The flux is intended for repair and production of electronics. Can be used with all standard solders.
So, let's summarize.
The composition of all fluxes is designed for high quality soldering. All of the above fluxes are used in various environmental conditions and at different features process.
The main differences between SP fluxes are consistency and activity. Therefore, it is necessary to select flux based on the scope of application and ease of use.
As for CHIPSOLDER brand fluxes, they are not as versatile as SP fluxes. When choosing CHIPSOLDER flux, you must definitely know how to use it and for what purpose.
Natalia ZinkoOf course, you can make your own flux for soldering. For this purpose, collected in the forest with coniferous trees The resin must be melted in a tin over low heat, stirring occasionally, and then simply poured into containers. When the mixture hardens, you will get rosin. But let’s not engage in amateur activities, it’s not worth it, but rather consider different types of fluxes that can be purchased at any radio-electronic store.
Requirements for fluxes used in soldering work
- The melting temperature of the flux must be lower than the melting temperature of the solder.
- The flux must be completely molten and have good fluidity during the soldering process.
- It should quickly and completely dissolve the oxides of the metal being soldered.
- Should not form chemical compounds with metal or solder.
- It should evenly cover the surface of the metal at the soldering site, preventing it from oxidizing during the soldering process.
- It should not quickly evaporate during soldering, and its decomposition products should be displaced by solder and easily washed off after soldering without causing corrosion of the soldering area
Gel fluxes are, in principle, ordinary rosin, but in a gel state. They are best used for delicate soldering of radio components and repairs. mobile phones, laptops, smartphones, etc. Their main feature is that they are very easy to wash off with Flux-Plus, acetone or gasoline; you can also use alcohol.
There are currently two types on sale: gel fluxes: Flux-Plus and its cheap Chinese analogue RMA-223
Flux-Plus is considered the best among gel products. Even a full person can solder with it. But its price of 20 green pieces of paper is not at all encouraging. So before you buy, think about whether it is worth the money? If you are a repairer of smartphones or tablets, then it will definitely pay for itself, but for ordinary fans of soldering, I would recommend its Chinese counterpart.
Gel soldering flux RMA-223 is a Chinese counterfeit of the branded Flux-Plus. The cheapest place to order it is from Chinese internet stores During soldering work, it also spreads well and envelops the solder. I advise everyone to use it and you won’t go wrong.
To prepare it at home and with our own hands, we will need the following ingredients: medical or industrial alcohol to dissolve the rosin, a hammer or something similar to grind the rosin, and a container for storing the resulting liquid composition. Then we crush the pieces of rosin with a hammer, I advise you to wrap them in a bandage or any piece of cloth before doing this. Pour the resulting powder into a bottle and fill it with alcohol (I’ll answer your question right away: “Vodka will not work”), after a few days of settling, the product will serve perfectly for soldering operations.
Why can't you solder with rosin? It is possible, but not very convenient since you need to very quickly bring the evaporating rosin to the place and you will also have to spread it a little with a soldering iron on all soldered surfaces.
It is used for soldering work as a liquid agent for oxidized copper, ferrous metal and stainless steel. Can also be used to remove rust. After use, a protective film is formed on the treated surface, which prevents the corrosion process.
Used for soldering carbon and low-alloy steels, nickel and alloys. The liquid is active at a temperature of 290-350 °C. After using a special product, the surfaces must be washed with a solution of soda ash
Made on a Vaseline base, suitable for soldering highly oxidized metals from ferrous and non-ferrous metals
The active agent is used in radio installation electronic components and printed circuit boards. After use, rinse with water or alcohol is necessary.
This liquid can be purchased at a regular pharmacy, it costs much less than alcohol, and the effect is the same, although it contains 90% ethyl alcohol.
No laundering. If desired, wipe off excess liquid with a rag. In addition to soldering, aluminum can be used for soldering stainless steels, nickel, copper and other metals.
Rosin, in its properties and characteristics, fully satisfies the requirements for fluxes; it just needs to be able to solder.
The specific gravity and melting point of rosin are lower than those of solder
It melts completely and has good fluidity at the correct soldering temperature. At the same time, there is a small advantage compared to standard fluxes, namely, the molten rosin does not “leak out” from the soldering site
Rosin completely dissolves oxides, and this reaction occurs at a temperature that is several degrees lower than the melting temperature of solder
Rosin is always neutral, it does not react and does not form chemical compounds with solder and the base metal.
It evenly covers the surface of the soldered metal, creating protection against oxidation.
Rosin does not burn out at soldering temperature, while the solder completely expels all its decomposition products
After the soldering process, any remaining rosin remaining on the printed circuit board can be easily washed off
It is a clear glassy resin, light yellow in color, hard but brittle. It is obtained from the resin of trees of various coniferous species. Rosin is essentially a mixture consisting of resin acids (their chemical formula is C 20 H 30 O 2), various types of fatty acids and small amounts of oxidized and neutral substances. The basis for high-quality rosin is abietic acid.
Rosin dissolves well in alcohol, ether, turpentine, and worse - in kerosene and gasoline. Completely insoluble in ordinary water.
According to the method of obtaining rosin, there are:gum– obtained from the resin of coniferous trees. Mostly pine trees. This type of rosin has virtually no fatty acids in its composition.
extraction– obtained by extracting crushed coniferous wood with gasoline. This type of rosin is darker, has a lower softening point and has a fairly high fatty acid content.
tallow rosin- It is a by-product of cellulose sulfate production in the manufacture of soap.
Rosin soldering technique
Soldering with rosin is quite easy. Before starting soldering, it is necessary to tin the parts. To do this, a soldering iron heated to operating temperature with a clean tip is dipped into rosin.
Then you need to coat it with solder and apply it to the surface to be soldered. After which the parts are fixed and at the point of contact they are briefly touched with a sting. Solder spreading over the surface as a thin film after cooling will create good connection. After soldering is completed, the remaining rosin is washed off with alcohol or solvent.
All the best! This rating contains the best fluxes for soldering and is compiled from personal preferences and reviews of electronics repair specialists. Many readers will now think: “Well, finally! Master Soldering has started to write at least something about soldering!” and they will be right - for almost 4 years not a single decent article has been written on the blog about the soldering process, although the name of the blog seems to oblige. I admit, I repent, I will correct the situation.
I plan to publish reviews of soldering processes, soldering tools, soldering videos and new technologies in the world of soldering. And today I will give my rating of the 10 best fluxes for soldering. This rating was compiled based on personal preferences and all sorts of reviews from familiar electronics repair technicians of various levels and does not pretend to be exclusive. Let's go - soldering fluxes.
Rating of the most popular soldering fluxes
What should we know about flux?
The flux is designed to improve the quality of the process of soldering two metal surfaces with solder and, when heated, cleans the surfaces of oxide and greasy films. A good flux should have a low melting point and low specific gravity. Before the solder melts, it must have time to dissolve the oxides and not penetrate deep into the solder joint during the soldering process. The flux should spread well and wet the surface of the solder and metal at the soldering site.
In fifth place is the most popular gumboil of all time, the muse of musicians, gift of nature, Her Majesty rosin. Rosin can be gum (from the resin of coniferous trees, has almost no fatty acids), extraction (extraction of pine sawdust with gasoline, contains more fatty acids than gum) and tall (residues after sulfatocellulose soap production).
In fourth place is the beloved alcohol-rosin flux SKF or FKSp (alcohol-rosin soldering flux). It consists of 60-80% alcohol and 20-40% rosin. This mixture can be prepared at home with your own hands. For example, many people simply crumble rosin into alcohol in a ratio of about 1 to 3. It is convenient to use in a syringe with a needle. But when stored in a loosely closed syringe, the needle begins to dry out and stops flowing.
Advantages:
An affordable and popular inactive flux, easy to apply, does not smoke much.
Flaws:
When heated, the alcohol begins to evaporate violently and hiss.
What to solder: copper wires, gold-plated and silver-plated contacts of microcircuits and radio elements, brass, zinc.
What to wash off with: alcohol, solvents, gasoline, alcohol-gasoline mixture.
So we have come to the Top 3 best fluxes for soldering. In the prize places I have placed professional fluxes, which in ordinary life may not be useful. But in crafts they are very necessary.
Fluxes Amtech RMA-223 and Kingbo RMA-218
The third bronze place is occupied by Amtech RMA-223 - it is a gel flux - a mixture of crushed rosin and solvent.
I also suspect there may be activators and fragrance in the composition. – most main feature fakes– on the sticker there is an inscription in small print “Coliformia” instead of “California”, however, strangely enough, the Chinese counterfeit flux is very good in operation, and many services rely only on it. Although the masters from mysku do not recommend using this flux, but it is better to take an analogue.
Advantages:
it’s convenient to apply the gel, good solderability, no need to wash it, the fake is cheap (about 200 rubles), but it solders quite well and smells of perfume.
Expensive (a 10 g tube can cost 1,500 rubles), smelly, there are fakes. The price is a limiting factor, for example, a 30 g tube can cost from 2,000 rubles.
What to solder: mainly responsible lead-free and lead soldering.
What to wash off with: Most do not need to be washed off, alcohol, solvent, there is a branded solvent T2005M.
With this, I consider the Top 10 best fluxes for soldering complete. Of course, there are a lot of other fluxes, including good Chinese and top German and Japanese ones. But I haven’t used them, so I can’t adequately talk about them.
If you, dear readers, use any other flux and consider it the best in the world, then be sure to write to me about it in the comments. Perhaps it will appear in the rankings after testing.
Master Soldering tried his best for you.
Loading...