From the EMPF HelpLine in Indianapolis We have a customer that is requesting assistance with a metal stamping problem. They produce small brass contacts (alloy 260 cartidge brass) that are about 1/8" square and 2" long using mineral spirits as a lubricant in the stamping process. They are supposed to provide these "oil free" to the next assy level that pots them into a sub-assy and has a soldering operation involving the contacts. That sub-assy is then sent to a third party where it is placed into another assy. A residue left on the contacts is interferring with both the potting and soldering operations, but mostly with the potting. Someone in the loop is suggesting the use of a water-soluble lubricant in the stamping process instead of the mineral spirits. Quantities are medium high now, but into the millions down the line. The questions we pose are: 1) Can anyone recommend an alternate stamping lubricant that won't be difficult to clean? 2) If or if not a different lubricant, howabout a recommended cleaning material/process? Ideally, there would be an oil-free lubricant that wouldn't require cleaning because it wouldn't interfere with the potting compound or the soldering operation. Thanks for your inputs. Jack Crawford HelpLine Manager Electronics Mfg. Productivity Facility 317.226.5616 Visit our homepage at: http://www.empf.org