How To Clean No Clean Solder Flux
The no-clean soldering materials used a combination of.
How to clean no clean solder flux. The choice of flux chemistry low or high solids hard or soft residues etc determines the most effective cleaning process to employ. Yes solder can be used without flux. If you are considering an inline system this will raise the equipment price substantially as a chemical-compatible inline cleaner costs considerably more than a water-only system.
Although the removal of no-clean flux is common our most common application you will need to use a chemical additive in the wash water. Add 100ml of Isopropyl alcohol and 50ml of Ethyl acetate to the 850ml of the Ethanol in the container. Most assemblers in the electronic industry use no-clean solder paste mainly to eliminate the requirement of cleaning the circuit board assemblies.
No clean pastes cant be cleaned with just water rather a solvent or solution of water and saponifier is required. They come in aerosol cans like hair spray or shaving. This depends greatly on what kind of solder and flux you used.
No soldering was done. I then cleaned the board. Using a cotton swab or acid brush cut as Pete stated soaked in alcohol helps to break down and remove.
Usually no-clean flux cleans up nicely with isopropyl alcohol or distilled water. To remove solder balls and improve overall cosmetic appearance. Recent studies have investigated the effectiveness of cleaning no-clean flux residues through chemical and mechanical adjustments as well as the effects of temperatures above 160F4 Initial findings demonstrate that only marginal cleaning was achieved at belt speeds not commensurate with the demands of a production environment.
Squirting some tiny bits never work. Using a specially designed cleaner or brass to clean the soldering irons tip. Since you wont be using the entire liquid in a single go pour some approximately 100 ml of solution in a spray bottle and use it.