Flux removal is a procedure in which flux that is applied to metal to protect it during a heat treating process is removed to improve the integrity of the metal. If flux isn’t applied in the first place, the integrity of the metal can also suffer, particularly from the development of oxidation that results from a change in the metal’s microstructure during heat treatment. In the creation of circuit boards, both flux and flux remover are needed to create a perfect, finished product.
Choosing a Circuit Board Flux Remover
Metallic components in circuit boards are fused together through soldering — a metallurgical process in which “two or more items are joined together by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint, the filler metal having a lower melting point than the adjoining metal” (Wikipedia). After the soldering process is complete, flux residue is removed using flux remover. If you need a circuit board flux remover, using Hypersolve™ offers the following six benefits, among others.
1. Compatible With Many Metals
When Hypersolve™ is properly stabilized, it is non-corrosive to many metals that are commonly used for the composition of circuit boards, including brass, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. The more metals a flux remover is compatible with, the less likely that it will need to be replaced due to changes in circuit board composition through the release of new products.
2. Efficacy Similar to Trichloroethylene
Hypersolve™ delivers the same flux removal power as Trichloroethylene without all of the negative effects of Trichloroethylene, as assessed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, it should be noted that one of the primary, active ingredients in Hypersolve, Bromopropane, has its own safety issues, being classified by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen”.
Consequently, use of Bromopropane solvents is best suited to entities that use them in relatively low volume, have a special filtration system that removes airborne contaminants from the work environment, and outfits workers with the proper level of personal protective equipment (PPE) for working with Bromopropane.
3. No Flashpoint
Based on standard ASTM procedures, Hypersolve™ has no flashpoint. This makes the cleaner exceptionally safe to use and store in environments where potential sources of fire ignition are present. If a fire does occur in your facility, your store of Hypersolve™ won’t react like a solvent that has a low flashpoint and adds fire to the flames.
4. Low Ozone Depletion Potential
Unlike many Trichloroethylene-based cleaners, Hypersolve™ has a low ozone depletion potential (ODP), which classifies it as an environmentally friendly circuit board flux remover. This makes Hypersolve™ a great option for entities that are located in low emission zones (LEZs), where there are tighter caps on chemical emissions than normal.
5. Fast Evaporation
Hypersolve™ evaporates quickly, which helps protect metallic circuit board parts from oxidizing and produces minimal solvent waste, which in turn helps to reduce waste disposal costs. Thanks to its fast dry-to-dry cycle, the cleaner can serve as a as a rinse/drying agent for slow drying hydrocarbon solvents.
Contact Ecolink Today
For additional information on the benefits of Hypersolve™ as a circuit board flux remover, or to request a free sample of the solution to test it for your flux removal needs, please call us today at (800) 563-1305, or refer to the contact page on our website. We look forward to supplying you with an eco friendly solution that is perfect for your circuit board flux remover requirements.
Ecolink Team
