Since the dramatic increase in alcohol prices, the demand pattern of electronics manufacturing companies for flux has changed. Hybrid fluxes are increasingly moving into the focus of electronics manufacturers. However, for some customers, non-alcohol-based fluxes are not an option as a substitute for the currently high-priced alcohol-based fluxes. This may be due to process conditions or the required short drying times. For this reason, companies still use alcohol-based fluxes to a certain extent despite the increased price.
Hybrid fluxes based on an alcohol-water mixture represent a reliable alternative in terms of process technology, while at the same time offering lower costs. These hybrid fluxes are very versatile and OSP-compatible. They can be used with good results for hand, wave and selective soldering as well as for cable assembly and strand tinning. In the course of customer conversions to a hybrid flux, alcohol-water-based fluxes have proven that they can cover the performance of a purely alcohol-based flux for almost all process specifications. The soldering results, for example the penetration, and the cleanliness on printed circuit board, are very good. A preheating temperature of 80 – 110 °C is recommended for less complex PCBs and 100 – 130 °C on the top side of the PCB for more complex boards. It can be used in both leaded and lead-free soldering systems. A cost-reduced use of flux is thus possible, while maintaining the same performance.
Do you have questions regarding this matter?
Your contact person: Markus Geßner
company: Emil Otto
