Hi Neda!

This isn't good, as Doug and Joyce have said. But a way to cure this, is to
use "Flux Pens"...the operators will think you "Need a thrashing" (sorry, I
couldn't resist...GRIN) when you try and introduce the pens to them, but
they're not using the bottled flux properly.

When I had switched from bottled no-clean flux to flux pens at a past
employer, I thought I was gonna' jumped out in the parking lot!

The issue is that no-cleans aren't very active to begin with, and they're
mostly solvent anyway. So if an operator doesn't get on the solder connection
immediately after the flux application, most of it will evaporate and the
solder won't wet as well as with other fluxes. So the operators do the
natural thing, just completely flood the area with flux.

I recommend you switch to flux pens, and then either have somebody come in
and train them how to solder with no-clean fluxes. They also need to learn
the dangers of leaving un-activated fluxes on the assembly.

Sure you'll hear a bunch of moaning and complaining, but they will adapt.
Another point, no cleans are hell on solder tips, part of the problem may be
that the tips aren't performing well, and they may be using loads of flux
because of that.

-Steve Gregory-


> Hello Technetters!
> I often observe rework/touchup operators drenching the area of a PCB they
> are soldering with no clean flux. When the flux spreads to an area not
> heated by the soldering iron or washed away, what long term effect will
> this have? Will it affect only certain designs or would this be a problem
> for most?
> TIA for your help!
>


-Steve Gregory-

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