Solder flux1/30/2024 ![]() ![]() Some liquids have very low surface tension while others have higher surface tension. Surface tension: Atoms on the surface of a liquid are attracted to atoms within the liquid. ![]() Two forces work against solder flow and are called “negative wetting forces.” They are: (I prefer the term I learned in Britain: “dry joint.”)įour natural forces determine the amount of wetting. What many people call “cold solder” actually has nothing to do with lack of heat it is simply non-wetting. When solder flows over a surface like a component lead, it is said to “wet” the surface. As with most things related to soldering, that begins with wetting forces. ![]() Understanding flux requires comprehension of what it does. To learn the constituents of soldering flux, see soldering flux: acids, solids, and solvents. The second part will explain the various types and classifications for electronics fluxes as well as the parameters that should be taken into account when selecting flux for specific uses. This is the first of a two-part series and explains the fundamentals of soldering flux. Part 2 will explain flux categories, how to read a flux manufacturer’s technical data sheet, and how to determine the best flux for various situations. The following, in plain English, is the heart of what users need to know about why flux is needed, the ingredients of flux and what they do, and general issues. Even the terminology can be impenetrable. The truly meaningful literature about flux (some of it free on the Internet but often behind paywalls) is written by chemists for chemists and completely unintelligible to the people who actually use the flux. (Beware of “neutral pH” flux.) Anyone who knows enough to distinguish between what is valid and what is junk probably doesn’t need the research. Dozens of manufacturers each sell dozens of flux formulations, almost all of those formulations being proprietary secrets that the customer won’t know, and they all post-marketing materials making claims that can be misleading and, in some cases, fraudulent. Unfortunately, most (not all, but most) of the free advice is worth exactly what it costs. (Jim) Smith, PhD ABD, President, Electronics Manufacturing Sciences, no shortage of articles about flux on the Internet. And perhaps nothing is more important than understanding soldering flux selection and proper usage. The hard part is learning what makes soldering easy. So let me add this clarification: Perfect soldering is easy provided we make it easy. However, most people who have not attended one of my Science of Soldering © classes do not find soldering all that easy and question my sanity. RLC Resonant Frequency and Impedance Calculatorįor more than 40 years, I have been teaching that perfect soldering is easy – the solder will do the work.Bandwidth Rise Time and Critical Length Calculator.Transmission Line Reflection Calculator.Trace Width and Current Capacity Calculator. ![]()
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