copper as a material for electric cables. A previous survey of respiratory complaints after the use of this particular flux had failed to show any objective change in lung function, and the present cases are the first to be reported. Both subjects have been investigated by means of serial spirometry, peak flow rates, and body plethysmography following inhalation of small amounts of flux fumes; ...

Today’s wave soldering processes solder electronic assemblies within the large eutectic tin lead processing window. The issues surrounding the conversion to lead free assembly are multiple and varied. Logistics, cost, material selection, and equipment choices/options are some of these challenges that require planning and organization. However, at the core of lead free assembly is soldering. The...

T he no-clean manufacturing process involves several interrelated process steps. These steps include receiving a clean PCB; surface-mount paste screening, placement and reflow; throughhole component placement; flux application; and wave soldering. This article will focus on the application of flux to effectively obtain soldered boards with low residual flux levels. Existing technologies for flu...

Most occupational asthma from electronic solder fluxes is due to colophony (1, 2). We report the first case of occupational asthma to electronic colophony-free gel flux predominantly containing dodecanedioic acid. The patient worked as an electronics instructor from 1999; he initially used solder wire and a separate flux (both colophony). In 2002, he changed to a colophony-free solder wire (pre...

Conventional soldering typically requires fluxing to promote wetting. Halogenated solvents must then be used to remove the flux residues. While such practice has been routinely accepted throughout the DOE weapons complex, new environmental laws and agreements will eventually phaseout the use of these solvents. Solvent substitution or alternative technologies must be developed to meet these rest...