Vectronics VEC-1500K - Manual (Page 14)

9
Flux Jar
Flux Syringe Flux Pen
Flux Pastes are most often packaged in a small jars or a plastic syringes. Jar
paste is applied to larger areas with a flux brush, and to miniature surfaces and
with a wooden toothpick. Patse-filled syringes come with special applicator tips
which offer controlled flow-rate and pin-point placement. Replacement tips are
available in a variety of sizes. Syringes provide convenient packaging, and they
work well for a wide range of tasks. The flux pen delivers flux as a liquid, much
like a felt-tip marker delivers ink. Pens are especially convenient for miniature
PC board and surface-mount work. Supplemental pastes and liquids may
evaporate and dry out when exposed to air for long periods. Be sure to cap or
cover all flux containers when not in use. Refrigerating during prolonged
periods of non-use helps extend shelf life.
PC Board Cleaners and Flux Removal Solvents
Most off-the-shelf cleaners are formulated for removing rosin-core flux residues
(RMA and RA). Although cleaning is routine during automated PC board
assembly, residue removal may not be required for general purpose bench and
field hand-soldering jobs. That's because RMA and RA fluxes are self-
encapsulating, and "no-clean" fluxes leave no harmful residue behind.
If cleaning is needed to satisfy a cosmetic or technical requirement, consider
using an alternative to older-style CFC-based organic solvents. While CFCs are
very effective, the price, toxicity, and environmental impact may not be
justified. Less-toxic organic solvents, alkaline saponifiers (sap-on-a-fires), and
emulsion cleaners
are now available to do the job with minimal risk. Organic
solvents dissolve rosin deposits, while saponifiers and emulsion cleaners convert
them into water-washable substances.
Before using any flux removal product, read instructions carefully! Most
organic solvents require adequate ventilation and other safety precautions for
safe use. A stiff-bristle brush is usually needed to remove particles and debris (a
discarded toothbrush works well for this). After handling cleaning chemicals, be
sure to clean hands thoroughly before eating or smoking. Finally, never
improvise by using solvents not specified for flux removal.
These may expose
you to a needless health hazard, and may also damage chemical-sensitive plastics
on the PC board!