** Proprietary ** Hi all, I'm new to this list, and would firstly like to say how enjoyable and informative it is reading all of your comments! I'm hoping that someone can help to shed some light on the topic of water soluble solders and cleaning methods. I've been doing a lot of reading on this topic, but it's all really a lot of information. Please forgive me if some of my questions sound stupid, but I have very little experience in this area, and a process engineer I am not! A bit of background: We currently use no-clean solder on a particular assembly. Unfortunately, this assembly requires conformal coating, and it does not adhere sufficiently to the no-clean flux residues. Therefore, we wish to make the move to a water soluble solder. We only produce small quantities of these assemblies (~350 per week) and do not wish to spend a small fortune on the transition. 1) Are water soluble solders safe to use with surface mount devices? As far as I can tell, they have mostly been used with through hole, as the small gap of SMD does not allow water to penetrate it when cleaning, and thus the highly corrosive residues remain trapped beneath. 2) What is the difference between a saponified resin flux and an organic acid flux? What other types of fluxes do WS solders use? Which is preferable? 3) Will ionic cleanliness testing provide an indication if the cleaning process is effective? I believe that ROSE testing is not directly aplicable to non-rosin based fluxes, but would ROSE, in conjunction with Ion Chromatography provide useful data? How would be best to monitor the cleaning process to ensure it is in control? 4) What types of batch cleaners are available? Will an industrial dish washer provide sufficient pressure to clean SMD with WS solder assemblies? What price range would I be looking at for an 'effective yet cheap' cleaner? I really do appreciate any assistance or guidance! Thanks in advance, and I look forward to your replies! Kind Regards, NaTasha Erker Compliance Co-ordinator Crystalaid Manufacture [log in to unmask] Kind Regards, NaTasha Erker Compliance Co-ordinator Crystalaid Group of Companies 171 Robertson Street Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 AUSTRALIA PH: +61 7 3872 7719 FX: +61 7 3257 1693 email: [log in to unmask] web: www.crystalaid.com ------------------------------------------------------------------ This communication may contain information which is confidential and may also be privileged. It is for the exclusive use of the intended recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient(s), please note that any distribution, copying or use of this communication or the information in it is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and then destroy any copies of it. ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e 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 or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315 -----------------------------------------------------