The Use of Liquid Soldering Flux in Electronic Applications

There are many printed circuit board enthusiasts around the world who wonder why fluxing is so important while soldering. The truth is that the integrity of the connections one achieves through soldering is dependent on proper flux choice for your printed circuit board. Flux research and development has led to the creation of many kinds of fluxes, out of which one is the liquid solder flux. Like the name suggests, it is in liquid form and displays many desirable properties required for creating an efficient solder bond. This article focuses on the usage of liquid soldering flux for electronic applications.

Application of liquid solder flux

Liquid soldering flux finds application across all printed circuit board assembly jobs. The fact that it is easy to use and has good flowage makes it the preferred kind among other types of available fluxes. It contains some common chemicals like zinc chloride, hydrochloric acid and ammonium chloride, which make it active and working at room temperature. Liquid fluxes are good for application on high chrome alloys, stainless steels, Monel, brass, copper, ferrous alloys and nickel. However, aluminum and magnesium materials are unsuitable for liquid soldering flux application.

Usage information for liquid soldering flux

The first step to apply liquid solder to your printed circuit board is preliminary cleaning. Ensure that there is no oil, visible dust or grime on the board. Once you have ensured that the board is visibly clean, it is time to flux it. Liquid soldering flux is never directly poured onto a printed circuit board. Always use a brush, a swab or something to dip into the flux for applying to the surfaces to be cleaned.

The next step consists of drying and preheating the surface to activate the flux. Activation of a flux helps it to clean oxidation from the surfaces in a more effective manner. You can also choose to air-dry the surfaces to remove the excessive flux that may have been applied in some areas.

The next step is application of the solder alloy and actually creating a connection between components on the board.

Cautions

Liquid soldering flux is a slightly corrosive material, and it should be handled with care. Ensure you have working gloves and protective goggles over your hands and eyes respectively before you start using this flux. The fumes that emanate while the flux cleans the board may be harmful.

Disposal of residues, waste and wash water should be done as per the prevailing regulations of the government, because this water contains harmful chemicals.

Liquid flux is highly effective if handled properly! Liquid soldering flux is highly effective when handled properly and is responsible for making reliable connections on a printed circuit board when used in the soldering process.

About the Author:

Alpha Assembly Solutions, Inc. is the global leader in the development, manufacturing and sales of innovative specialty materials used in a wide range of industry segments, including electronics assembly, power electronics, die attach, LED lighting, photovoltaics, semiconductor packaging, automotive and others. Since its founding in 1872, Alpha has been committed to developing and manufacturing the highest quality specialty materials.

About This Author

Alpha Assembly Solutions, Inc. Joined: March 26th, 2018