Ray,

Stephen Brown brings up some good points.

From a different angle here are my thoughts.  If you switch from RMA to OA
consider switching the whole organization at the same time.  We recently
made this switch, collecting all the RMA flux, solder wick and solder and
issuing new OA flux, un-fluxed wick and solder.  At the same time we brought
on-line our new batch DI wash machine to replace our open tubs of alcohol.
(I'm glad that hazard is gone from the shop floor.)  Our batch wash uses no
saponifiers (we are a through-hole facility) and is a fully closed loop
system so we are not putting anything into the waste water system.

The one problem of mixed flux did recently crop up when a assembler refilled
his OA flux bottle with the RMA flux needed at the solder pot.  Funny, this
stuff wouldn't come off in the DI wash even after several washings.  It was
then that I discovered what the assembler had done.  If you have to maintain
multiple fluxes for different operations you will have to institute very
strict control on issuing out materials and make sure that there is no cross
use of flux or solder.

Phil Nutting
Sr. Manuf. Eng.
Kaiser Systems, Inc.

-----Original Message-----
From: Golembiewski, Ray [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2001 9:13 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Fluxes


        I am looking for data analysis between a water soluble flux, and
an RMA. What are the major effects each has on a PCB. What do I have to
know before I make a switch from RMA to water soluble. If you might be
able to direct me to a link, or send me some information it would be
greatly appreciated. Thanks again,

Ray Golembiewski C.I.D.
IPC Certified Interconnect Designer
Manufacturing Test Engineer
Projects Unlimited, Inc.
(937) 918-2200

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Technet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
To temporarily halt delivery of Technet send the following message: SET
Technet NOMAIL
Search previous postings at: www.ipc.org > On-Line Resources & Databases >
E-mail Archives
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700
ext.5315
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
To temporarily halt delivery of Technet send the following message: SET Technet NOMAIL
Search previous postings at: www.ipc.org > On-Line Resources & Databases > E-mail Archives
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------