Migs

Friends:

After you solder a circuit board, what do you wash the flux residue off with? I am hesitant to use water for fear of subsequent corrosion, and have no clue as to what kind of flux is in my solder wire.

Thanks for your advice! -Migs

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"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." – Carlos Castaneda
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billboard

Hi migs, i use a flux removing spray, you should get that from most electronic suppliers, i use maplin or rapid electronics here in the UK. I spray it on, leave for a few seconds and work it with an old toothbrush then spray it again to clean off any remaining residue. works every time.

billboard.

Migs

Thanks billboard, I will search for some. If I cant find some, do you think medicinal alcohol will work?

Migs

__________________
"Sometimes we forget that the world itself is paradise." Douglas Coupland, 'Microserfs'
"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." – Carlos Castaneda
"One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer."- G. E. Lessing

chemelec

Most Solders use a Rosin type flux. This can be removed with Acetone and some other solvents.
But be careful, Acetone is Flammable and is definately also not good to Breathe.
This Rosin flux will NOT be removed with water.

I use a "Kester 331" Solder. It has a Water based flux built into it and just rincing the board Under Warm tap water Removes all the flux.

"Almost All electronic parts are quite Water Safe".

Just remember to dry the board completely before connecting to any power source.

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Migs

Thanks chemelec!
I will try the water test at lunch to see if my solder flux clears off.
Migs

__________________
"Sometimes we forget that the world itself is paradise." Douglas Coupland, 'Microserfs'
"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." – Carlos Castaneda
"One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer."- G. E. Lessing

Rolf

I have used Isopropy Rubbing Alcohol, 91% for years. It works fine for me.
I rub it on with an acid brush that has its bristles cut short to give it a better scrubbing action. Then just dry with a paper towel. It is probably the safest of the usable solvents.

Migs

Good to know Rolf! I'll try that too. -Migs

__________________
"Sometimes we forget that the world itself is paradise." Douglas Coupland, 'Microserfs'
"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." – Carlos Castaneda
"One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer."- G. E. Lessing

Dean Huster

Better yet, use the IPA found in home improvement, paint or hardware stores sold as "alcohol", designed for use as shellac thinner. It's 100% isopropyl alcohol and available in pint or gallon cans. Old toothbrushes work well for scrubbing and you can use floss to get underneath components on the other side (just kidding, just kidding!). For larger boards, fingernail brushes work well. Just remember that the brushes will cause splatter, so wear eye protection and keep your bench clear of things that you don't want splattered.

More dangerous because of explosion/fire and inhalation hazards, either lacquer thinner or acetone work much faster for non-water soluable fluxes. Two runs with the stronger solvents and a final rinse with IPA will leave your board clean as a whistle. Overall, I'd suggest doing it outside on the driveway just to be safer all around.

However, remember that flux removal, for the most part, is a cosmetic thing. Flux at room temperature is inactive and non-conductive, and as long as your circuit board is installed where you can't see the solder side, I wouldn't mess with it.

Dean

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blueroomelectronics

A can of FluX-Off will work.

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Sceadwian

Just don't use generic drug store rubbing alcohol, Most of them are only 30-70% alcohol (balance is water)

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3v0

Dean did say "for the most part".

A liquid flux pen can be a great aid when soldering, esp bare copper. Flux pens come with several different types of flux. Some pens like the Kester #2332-ZX are excellent at getting the solder to flow and make very nice joints. But it must be removed. What it leaves behind can keep you circuit from working. The residue from other flux pens can be left on the board with no ill effect. Check the datasheet on the pen you buy.

Migs

Hi 3vO

The reason I ask is because I was building a Sumovore Sumo Robot kit with my son, and the instructions mentioned cleaning it off for better results.

I do appreciate all of you all's comments. As life goes on I have learned the great power of forums for enlightenment. You guys are all great! -Migs

__________________
"Sometimes we forget that the world itself is paradise." Douglas Coupland, 'Microserfs'
"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." – Carlos Castaneda
"One single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer."- G. E. Lessing

Nigel Goodwin

The only difference is cosmetic, and with reasonable soldering skills there shouldn't be any flux worth mentioning to remove?.

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mneary

Corrosive fluxes are normally removed with water or IPA. It doesn't usually matter with the rest of them.

chemelec

First, You should NEVER USE Corrosive Flux on any Circuit Board.

Secondly, Contrary to Manufacturers Claims, Most Rosin Fluxes are Somewhat Conductive.
** Especially in Sensitive Circuits and more so in a high humidity enviroment.

I Always Recommend Removing the flux on all Boards.

__________________
I No Longer accept Private Messages on here.
All Emails to me Must Contain the Word \"Electronic\" in the \"Subject Line\"
or they go Directly to my Junk Mail Folder.
Email me at: chemelec@hotmail.com
Website: http://www3.telus.net/chemelec