Flux solder9/4/2023 ![]() Flux also has a shelf life, check with the manufacturer for details. Rosin Core Solder with less than 70% lead content has a shelf life of three years, from the Date of Manufacture, so it will not hurt to add additional flux. The flux within a rosin core solder reacts with the lead content, becoming less effective in time, hence the need for applying additional flux. Solid wire solders (often used for plumbing) require the use of flux. Rosin flux can be purchased in liquid and paste form, there are also various devices to aid in application, available from a store that deals in electronic components. For better results, apply additional flux. The solder wire has a hollow core filled with rosin flux which is activated by the heat of the iron. Many solders sold for electrical purposes are rosin-core. The correct flux for electrical work is Rosin Flux. Do not use TIX for electrical work! Rosin Flux If the flux contains Ammonium Chloride or Zinc Chloride, they are acidic and not appropriate for electrical work.Ī repeat offender is the TIX brand flux which is enthusiastically promoted by model railroaders on web forums and email lists. Therefore, acid fluxes are not recommended for electrical and electronic work. Acid based fluxes dissolve small wires over time, and their residues are conductive. Those properties make it very effective, and thus popular with modellers. Some manufacturers include a warning regarding flux, and may not honour a warranty return if any flux was used during installation.Īcid fluxes used in plumbing and automotive applications are very aggressive, often containing hydrochloric or other acids. It's really meant for plumbing.Ī major decoder manufacturer stated the most common cause of decoder failures is Acid Flux. This is not the flux for electrical work. These aggressive fluxes are meant application with a brush to plumbing, steel, and other materials normally not used in electronics, and at higher soldering temperatures such as with a torch. The flux is acidic and not recommended for electrical work. If in doubt ask for and read the Material Data Sheet. With the close spacing of modern electronic devices, the remaining flux residue will become conductive and have multiple paths for current to flow. Acid flux residues become conductive in time. There is no way to clean or neutralize the flux in this instance. ![]() The flux will wick into the bundle of wires and travel away from the joint. This is especially true for stranded wire. The flux can never be completely removed nor neutralized by cleaning. ![]() These solders, as well as acidic fluxes, are not recommended for use with electrical or electronic applications. TIX is marketed to gold and silversmiths for soldering jewelry.īe aware that many solder preparations are available which contain acids. Tix contains zinc chloride, which is inappropriate for electrical work. Another culprit often praised online is the TIX brand flux. Why? Many modellers refuse to take advice and apply an acid flux, such as that from the tins conveniently found in the plumbing section of hardware stores. Many decoder manufacturers include a warning explicitly instructing the decoder installer not to apply any flux during soldering. Flux should be cleaned off after soldering a joint. Several types of non-corrosive flux are used in soldering electronics. Some fluxes are corrosive, so the parts have to be cleaned with a damp sponge or other absorbent material after soldering to prevent damage later. ![]() Facilitates amalgamation, which improves the wetting characteristics of the liquid solder.Flux blocks oxygen preventing further oxidation, and.Flux removes oxides from the surfaces to be soldered,.In soldering, flux serves a threefold purpose:
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