No Clean vs. RMA

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I'm working on a new product soldering to a thick film mater... - Mar 24, 2004 by

RA and RMA flux residues are "sealed" in a hard, glassy coat... - Mar 24, 2004 by davef

IF you open up your TV, cd player or color printer you will ... - Mar 24, 2004 by

John

#27724

No Clean vs. RMA | 24 March, 2004

I'm working on a new product soldering to a thick film material. We currently use only No Clean solder pastes. The vendor that supplies the substrate has suggested going to an RMA paste to improve solderability. We haven't used any, but I'm not familiar with any that do not have to be cleaned. The end product would be a high reliability automotive device. It seems that cleaning would be needed for a more agressive flux. Does anyone know of an RA or RMA paste that doesn't need to be cleaned. Thanks John S.

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davef

#27729

No Clean vs. RMA | 24 March, 2004

RA and RMA flux residues are "sealed" in a hard, glassy coating that do not require cleaning in many end-use environments. That being said, automotive, automotive underhood, and deep well are in that [ascending] order the three most burtal environments for electrinic equipment.

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Ken

#27731

No Clean vs. RMA | 24 March, 2004

IF you open up your TV, cd player or color printer you will see RA / RMA flux ON EVERYTHING!

The waxy binder protects the halogenated compounds from becoming active with atmospheric moisture. Self healing is a good way to look at it.

However, OA is etremely agressive and will require washing within a short time period (4-8 hrs typical). Wait any longer and you start etching the copper / plating right off the board.

I would go directly to OA if you have an established DI wash process. RMA can be more difficult to remove in the wash process.

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