Flux is a chemical used when soldering electronic components to a circuit board. The main purpose of flux is to prepare the surface for soldering by cleaning the oxide and foreign materials on the metal surfaces. Flux is used to clean the circuit board before soldering. During soldering, it helps the solder to flow and adhere better.
Flux is a chemical used when soldering electronic components to a circuit board. The main purpose of flux is to prepare the surface for soldering by cleaning the oxide and foreign materials on the metal surfaces.
Before soldering electronic components to the circuit board, ensure that the metal surface is clean and ready for soldering. Solder joints and electrical conduction may be poor if the surface is not cleaned.
When metal is exposed to air, oxides form on it. The oxide can inhibit the formation of solder joints. Flux helps to remove the oxidized metal layer on the surface. Flux contains a chemical activator that allows the solder to melt better. In this way, it allows it to flow smoothly without gathering on the surfaces.
Flux basically has three purposes. When active (when heated close to soldering temperature), it cleans the oxide on the surface. It keeps the oxygen in the atmosphere away from the surfaces to be soldered. It conducts heat, thus providing a thermal bridge between the metals to be joined.
If soldering is attempted without using flux, the solder will form a ball without sticking to anything and will roll over the surface. Flux is what prevents this from happening, which makes the solder stick to surfaces and electronic components.
Metal surfaces should be cleaned with a good solvent before using flux. Thus, dust, dirt and excessive oxidation that may be on the surface are removed. Then, an equal coat of flux is applied to the surfaces. When the tip of the soldering iron is hot and ready, it is placed on the flux coated metal surface. When the flux melts, it removes the oxide layer on the surface. Afterwards, the solder wire is melted and an effective soldering is achieved.
Flux is used to clean the circuit board before soldering. During soldering, it helps the solder to flow and adhere better.
Resin-based flux is generally used in the electronics industry. Resin-based flux is the oldest type of flux. The resin is based on refined and purified pine sap. Mondern resin flux has been mixed with different fluxes to optimize its performance.
Flux can be in solid, paste or liquid form depending on how and where it will be used. Flux in liquid form is available in a small squeeze bottle and can be dispensed with a needle.
Breathing flux vapor is dangerous. Flux vapor may cause headache, nausea and dizziness. Continuous inhalation may irritate the nose and throat. There should be a ventilation system to avoid exposure to flux vapor. Appropriate personal protective equipment should be used to prevent eye contact.
