DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

[AudioCraZ]

Saw this off of Hack a Day :

A DIY Flux Paste Applicator Gun. From a reporposed Hot Glue gun.

[stj]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

flux paste is for plumbing,
liquid flux comes with a brush or in a spray can usually.
(not including those tiny pens)

[Krankshaft]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

It can also come in a little syringe (in a liquid soap like consistency) like the included flux with Chip Quik does smells like Honeysuckle when it's heated up makes me sick .

[Toasty]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

>>flux paste is for plumbing...<<

Not true.

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/8341.html

$10.25 - circuitspecialists.com
$9.35 - mouser.com
$10.66 - digikey.com (must buy 10)
$10.45 - alliedelec.com
$8.78 - mainelectronics.com

[TinSoldier]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Yeah, but that's no-clean flux (which isn't really no-clean, you still have to clean up after it). Don't use it with flux core solder.

Solder used to just come in a liquid, then in pens. Sometimes we still just drain the liquid out of the pens in order to use it as we want to do.

[Toasty]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Agree. But the term "no-clean" means you don't ~have to~ clean up after it. It won't have any detrimental effects to the circuit board or components. Of course, I always have cleaned up after using it. Cans of flux remover have always been a staple for me. Just a clean freak I guess.

I use it with flux core (rosin core) all the time.

>>Solder used to just come in a liquid...<<
Do you mean solder paste? Else, that's one hot pen!!

[TinSoldier]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Agree. But the term "no-clean" means you don't ~have to~ clean up after it. It won't have any detrimental effects to the circuit board or components. Of course, I always have cleaned up after using it. Cans of flux remover have always been a staple for me. Just a clean freak I guess.

I use it with flux core (rosin core) all the time.

>>Solder used to just come in a liquid...<<
Do you mean solder paste? Else, that's one hot pen!!

Ack! I meant flux used to come just as liquid.

The no-clean I've heard is more corrosive than the regular stuff. But that was just tech to tech so it may have just been rumor.

Quick Google, and these guys are obviously biased in order to sell product, but here: http://www.cirris.com/testing/guidel...lean-flux.html

[Toasty]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Yes. There they are speaking of the liquid form causing problems. They recommend using paste flux or rosin core solder. Any flux used to excess will cause problems in a connector.

I've not seen a problem in 40 years using it for wiring or circuit boards. Heck, I've used regular Nokorode for everything at one time or another, including plumbing and a leaky heater core in my '69 Chevelle 6-banger. "Fill it up and a quart of oil please..."

[Toasty]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Back to the OP. My point here is you don't need to get fancy to apply flux. While the idea is neat for a DIY project, the syringe by itself is just ducky.

Toast

[TinSoldier]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Agree. The less flux the better if using rosin core (which is most solders).

You get the best results by tinning your leads and pads, and cleaning your solder before using it.

The only time I use flux really is if I have a worn solder tip and cannot make a good thermal contact without it, or without adding solder directly to the tip (which I was taught is a no-no but which works regardless).

[NxB]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

I always use flux, never rosin core solder.

[Krankshaft]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

On the no clean flux topic stay away from it.

Once when reordering solder I accidentally ordered it with the no clean flux.

From the moment I started using it my joints were crappy and the solder just seemed to not flow properly.

Plus the flux residue was clear instead of gold which gave it away that I ordered from wrong stuff.

The Kester rosin core solder I use says the flux is mild enough to be left on the board so removal is optional.

Nowadays if I'm photographing it I usually hit it with an aerosol flux remover and dab up the loosened flux and the remover chemical with a paper towel. The board looks much better in pics that way because you don't see that reflective flux in the flash.

[Toasty]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Both the MG Chemicals and ChipQuik no-clean fluxes have never caused me any difficulty.

I wonder what type/brand you got?

[Krankshaft]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

I'm talking about solder with no clean inside.

I believe it was Kester 245 with the no clean flux.

I usually only externally flux when soldering SMD devices where I have to transfer solder from the tip to the trace.

[stj]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

you should only need flux for smd re-heat.

as for flux in solder, it's not just rosin/rosin-free.
it comes in many percentages.
the same goes for halide.
you want a bit or you cant solder to brass.
my solder is no-clean core.

and no-clean flux can be left in place - that's why it's called no-clean.
other types include aqueus, mild & active.
aqueus is water soluable.
mild & active are acidic and *will* slowly eat stuff if left on the board.
all 3 types need to be cleaned off after your done.
aqueus is damned toxic too - great in a factory for automated soldering, but i wouldnt advise it's use by hand!

this is what i use:
https://cdn.badcaps-static.com/pdfs/...2deb3cd715.pdf
(type 505)

[Krankshaft]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

and no-clean flux can be left in place - that's why it's called no-clean.
other types include aqueus, mild & active.
aqueus is water soluable.
mild & active are acidic and *will* slowly eat stuff if left on the board.
all 3 types need to be cleaned off after your done.
aqueus is damned toxic too - great in a factory for automated soldering, but i wouldnt advise it's use by hand!

I have to disagree on removal I use Kester 44 series solder with RA flux here's the datasheet.

"Kester 44 possesses excellent fluxing ability, the flux residue is non-corrosive and non-conductive under normal
conditions of use."

"This mild property of the residue permits leaving the flux on the assembly for many applications."

[Toasty]

Re: DIY Flux Paste applicator gun.

Rosin core and paste - I've never seen either do any damage to boards, traces, components. I've stuff I built when I was a kid, high school, tech school that is still fine. All of them over 30 years now and not a hint of a problem.

Rosin (core) is pine sap.

It's all marketing to get you to buy flux remover and god knows what else.

"It's gonna eat my board! Run away! Run away!"

ahahahahahahahaaaaaa!!