Five Categories Of Soldering Fluxes

Soldering flux is a paste which is used to prevent the oxidation of the residual

impurities present on the surface of the metals which are to be joined with the help of solders. The solder fluxes manufacturer would also be keeping these with them. However, when you approach these suppliers, it is important that you mention to them the precise purpose for which these are to be used? For example, you might have to tell them what are the metals or alloys which are to be joined with the solder. Based on these inputs, the person can give you the right flux. However, it is better that you have the knowledge about the right flux before you approach the solder fluxes supplier since they might not know much about the same.

As per the international standards, there are three categories of fluxes: water-based, rosin-based and no clean. Out of these, the rosin based ones are of three types. These categories are mentioned below:

1. Rosin (R): Rosin is derived from a tree and the flux is made from the mix of solvent and rosin. This is usually applied to those surfaces which are easy to solder. It is non-conductive and non-corrosive. The residue of the flux is hard and is left on the surface of the joint.

2. Rosin Mildly Activated (RMA): This is a type of flux which comprises rosin, solvent and little bit of activator. This is also applied on the easy-to-solder surfaces. If you want to know how it is different from the rosin flux, you shall feel it residue. It is soft and clear. Removal of the residue will depend on the nature of surface on which it is used.

3. Rosin Activated flux (RA): This is a flux type which is used on the moderately and highly oxidized surfaces. It is am mixture of rosin with solvent and aggressive activators. Solder fluxes supplier might tell you that as soon as the soldering is done, it shall be cleaned with appropriate solvent since this flux residue does conduct the electricity.

4. Water Soluble flux (WS): These fluxes exhibit a very wide range of activity levels. This variation can be from very less activity level to the very high levels of activity. These can be used to solder the easiest to the most difficult soldering surfaces. Solder fluxes manufacturer might also provide the highly reactive water soluble fluxes even for the soldering even the stainless steel surfaces. These fluxes are made from organic acids, thixotrope and the solvent.

5. No Clean flux: As the name suggests, this is the residue which is not required to be cleaned. It is allowed to remain on the assembly purposely. Its residue is non-corrosive and non-conductive in nature.

Knowledge of the right soldering flux to use for varied applications is very important if the assembly is to have a long life. Otherwise, the joints are likely to encounter problem and soldering might not serve the desired purpose.

by: Anil Sharma

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