What is halogen-free solder paste?

Halogen-Free Solder Paste as the name suggests is a solder paste that does not contain Halogen. Fundamentally, halogens in solder paste refer to chlorine and bromine. Bromine in electronics is usually added to organic materials such as a fire retardant known as brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

What kind of fluxes are used for soldering?

There are three different categories of fluxes used for soldering electronics according to IPC J-STD-004B. These categories are; Rosin and Rosin Substitutes, Water Soluble, and No-Clean.

How do you use fluxes?

Use a small paintbrush or your fingers to scoop up a small amount of soldering flux. Spread the flux over the area you will be soldering, making sure to cover the wires fully. Wipe any excess flux off your fingers or brush before soldering. Soldering flux is only corrosive once it is heated up and in its liquid form.

What are halides in flux?

A halide is an ionic compound that contains a halogen and is often used electively in fluxes to improve soldering performance. Halides may also be subject to elimination in the foreseeable future; by definition they are a type of halogen.

What is halogen free flux?

The industry has begun to adopt the definition of halogen-free as less than 900ppm of Cl (Chlorine) and less then 900ppm of Br (Bromine). If a product contains both Br and Cl, then it must have less than 1500ppm total. In the world of solder pastes and fluxes, the term “halide-free” is typically used.

What are the differences between the uses of fluxes of soldering and soft soldering?

While solder is used to assemble components onto your circuit board, the flux is used prior to assembly to prepare and help your board through the soldering process.

What does non halide mean?

The definition of non-halogenated in this document is 1500ppm, with a maximum chlorine content of 900ppm and a maximum bromine content of 900ppm. Halide-free fluxes are typically less active than their halogenated predecessors. A consequence is that many do not wet as well and have a smaller profile process window.

What is the difference between halogenated and halogen-free fluxes?

On the plus side, some halogen-free laminate systems have greater thermal stability. Halide-free fluxes are typically less active than their halogenated predecessors. A consequence is that many do not wet as well and have a smaller profile process window. Component lead solderability has a greater effect on joint quality.

Is your process halogen-free?

Your process may already be halogen-free. This means your products do not release halogen as a byproduct when disposed of by incarnation. If your facility is not yet halogen-free, you should understand the differences between halogen-containing materials and halogen-free materials. How are Halogen-Free Materials Different?

What drives companies to go halogen-free?

While the possibility of future regulation is a factor, corporate responsibility and major multinational companies with halogen-free implementation plans are key drivers in the decision to use halogen-free materials. The green or eco-friendly social movement is also a factor.

What are the side effects of halogen-free laminate?

Side effects include shorter shelf life, greater printed circuit board (PCB) stiffness, and lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). On the plus side, some halogen-free laminate systems have greater thermal stability. Halide-free fluxes are typically less active than their halogenated predecessors.