Possible to mix a No-Clean solder and a Clean solder process

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We are currently in a Clean solder process (SMT+Wave Solder+... - Apr 05, 2018 by myke_SMT

We recently got a batch wash machine that can use a chemical... - Apr 05, 2018 by Stephen

Your fluxes are required to be compatible per J-STD-001. I w... - Apr 06, 2018 by DeanM

definitely don't mix clean and No clean. Run No Clean as you... - Apr 09, 2018 by Evtimov

myke_SMT

#80163

Possible to mix a No-Clean solder and a Clean solder process | 5 April, 2018

We are currently in a Clean solder process (SMT+Wave Solder+Washing). Now our management is planning to convert to a No-Clean process in SMT due to limitations of solder availability and reduction of washing process. Question1: Is it possible to wash with DI water a board with No-clean solder? Will it impact solder quality? Question2: Can we mix both clean and no clean process? SMT-No clean, Wave solder-clean Thanks hopefully can help me on this issue.

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Stephen

#80169

Possible to mix a No-Clean solder and a Clean solder process | 5 April, 2018

We recently got a batch wash machine that can use a chemical cleaner. (not a saponifier). NOW I feel confident cleaning no clean boards. Without a machine that can heat water and use a proper cleaning agent, I would not trust cleaning no clean boards.

You can add no clean steps after the last wash. But without proper equipment I would not have SMT no clean with wave water wash.

For a long time I've said that no clean should have been named can't clean.

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DeanM

#80179

Possible to mix a No-Clean solder and a Clean solder process | 6 April, 2018

Your fluxes are required to be compatible per J-STD-001. I wouldn't even attempt mixing no-clean (rosin) and clean (assuming water soluble) fluxes on the same assembly, especially if the fluxes are from two different vendors. If your paste and liquid flux come from the same vendor you will want to contact their technical support and ask them the question. If they are from two different vendors, you are asking for trouble.

If they want to eliminate a cleaning process for SMT, why not switch to a no-clean for wave too (from the same vendor)? If you are coating afterward you should clean and DI water will not remove no-clean flux residues.

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Evtimov

#80186

Possible to mix a No-Clean solder and a Clean solder process | 9 April, 2018

definitely don't mix clean and No clean. Run No Clean as you decided, but have your flux and paste manufacturers advice, how this flux can be cleaned(if you decide or required to clean). I know for a fact that some of these NC flux residues are almost impossible to get rid of.

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