Worldwide supplier of high quality electrical / electronic components

Kester 48 Activated Rosin Flux for cored solder wire was developed for lead-free applications to enable soldering of most common metals. 48 has performance characteristics far exceeding standard RA fluxes. 48 builds on the performance of its predecessor Kester 44 with “instant-action” wetting to provide fast and reliable solder joints. 48 is classified as ROM1 per J-STD-004.

Kester 285 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux is classified as Type ROL0 flux under IPC J-STD-004. This flux was formerly classified as Type RMA per QQ-S-571. 285 consists of high quality, purified rosin to which a synergistic combination of activating agents has been incorporated. The fluxing ability of 285 is much greater than ordinary mildly activated rosin fluxes and is comparable to fully activated rosin fluxes. 285 has been developed for use in the electronic industry where difficult assemblies are to be soldered, but process requirements stipulate use of a mildly activated rosin flux.

Kester 331 Organic Flux is a water-soluble formula for use in flux-cored solder wire. This cored solder version of the popular 2331-ZX Neutral Organic Water Soluble Liquid Flux is more effective than rosin fluxes in soldering difficult metals. The same fast action and mild properties are exhibited with 331 Organic Flux as with the liquid 2331-ZX. The flux is more heat stable than most organic fluxes, resulting in minimal smoke and odor. The residue can be completely removed with a simple heated water rinse. Deionized water is suggested to prevent introduction of chemistries from unknown water sources. 331 is classified as ORH1 per J-STD-004.

Kester 245 was developed to complement low residue liquid fluxes being used by the electronics industry. The chemistry is based on some of the same principles that have been safely used for years in mildly activated rosin fluxes. The use of 245 results in visually acceptable assemblies without cleaning, yet soldering quality and efficiency is comparable to that obtained with mildly activated rosin flux. 245 is classified as ROL0 per J-STD-004. 245 is Bellcore GR-78 compliant.

Kester 275 No-Clean Flux for cored solder wire was developed to provide superior wetting performance for hand soldering in the electronics industry. The chemistry is based on some of the same principles that have been safely used for years in mildly activated rosin fluxes. The use of 275 No-Clean Flux results in an extremely clear post-soldering residue without cleaning. The unique chemistry in 275 was also designed to reduce spattering common to most core fluxes. 275 can be used for both lead bearing and lead-free soldering. 275 is classified as ROL0 per J-STD-004.

For soldering applications that require maximum reliability of solder joints, especially for surface mounted components, only solder of the highest purity is acceptable. Only the highest virgin metals are used to make Kester leaded and lead-free solid core wire. Complete analysis of Kester Solder Wire prove that every batch conforms to the strictest quality control standards in the solder industry. Kester leaded and lead-free solid core solder wire meets IPC J-STD-006C. Kester solder wire purchased directly or through Kester stocking distributors will conform to these requirements.

Lead Free Solder Defined:.

On July 1, 2006 the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) came into effect prohibiting the intentional addition of lead to most consumer electronics produced in the EU. California recently adopted a RoHS law and China has a version as well. Manufacturers in the U.S. may receive tax benefits by reducing the use of lead-based solder.

Lead-free solders in commercial use may contain tin, copper, silver, bismuth, indium, zinc, antimony, and traces of other metals, including lead itself.

The maximum permitted concentrations are 0.1% or 1000 ppm by weight of homogeneous material.