Precautions to Take When Cleaning Liquid Soldering Flux

1. PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN CLEANING LIQUID SOLDERING FLUX Flux application is an integral part of the overall soldering process. It is necessary because it ensures that oxidation and contamination of PCB surfaces and components don’t end up hampering the creation of a good solid solder bond. Soldering with flux is, therefore, a necessity; but one must also make sure that the flux itself doesn’t become a contaminating factor for the circuit board. Different flux varieties behave differently on the circuit board surface and can even turn corrosive when activated with heat and chemicals or can create bridging defects and ruin the circuitry. To prevent such occurrences, the liquid flux is usually scoured off the surface using different cleaning methods like rubbing the surface with isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol or rinsing it with water. Here are a few precautions that you must bear in mind when cleaning liquid soldering flux from PCB surfaces: Remember to wear proper protective gear/clothing when handling the flux cleaning process. Neoprene gloves and chemical splash goggles are important if you will be cleaning the surfaces manually. Use lint free absorbent materials for wiping off surfaces that have been rubbed with alcohol. Once used, these should be disposed of rather than be used again. Isopropyl alcohol or isopropanol is flammable. Make sure there are no ignition hazards present near the work station where soldering with flux and cleaning processes is being carried out. Cleaning of liquid soldering flux should be carried out with extreme care and delicate handling. You do not want to damage the solder bonds because you rubbed the surface with alcohol a little too hard. Flux cleaning also involves a certain degree of inspection and observation. You will need to carefully check out the PCB surface to unearth all flux residue that might lead to bridging defects and corrosion. Make use of the above listed precautions to maintain circuit board integrity and performance while cleaning off liquid soldering flux.