Foam Fluxer problems

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We are a small CM doing mostly prototype and small productio... - Dec 18, 2006 by Ev

Are you making sure that the all the alcohol in the stone is... - Dec 18, 2006 by

Thanks...I think you could just have just about hit the nail... - Dec 18, 2006 by Ev

Always check your specific gravity. It directly affects you... - Dec 18, 2006 by Real Chunks

Real tough to foam that no-clean formula there. Most no-cle... - Dec 18, 2006 by RDR

Not sure on that exact hardware setup. However, given the v... - Dec 18, 2006 by

#46229

Foam Fluxer problems | 18 December, 2006

We are a small CM doing mostly prototype and small production runs SMT and PTH. We have an old Hollis machine works well when we need it. The foam level does not come up to the board level, even with the air cranked up full. We are using a synthetic stone at the moment. Is it just a matter of somehow cleaning the stone? We store it in alcohol and we are using Kester 951 flux at the moment. Any suggestions?

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Steve

#46231

Foam Fluxer problems | 18 December, 2006

Are you making sure that the all the alcohol in the stone is pretty much gone before you put it in the tank? If the stone is dripping with alcohol when you put it in the tank, you could be affecting the specific gravity of the flux so much that it can't produce a nice foam. Also, Kester recommends that you use their 110 thinner when you have to thin the flux to achieve around .81 specific gravity. Make sure you start with fresh flux too. Old flux will not foam as good as fresh flux. I would have to throw away about half my flux back when I was using a foam fluxer because it would go bad and not foam like I wanted it to. That's the beauty of a spray fluxer, you use just about every drop you buy and don't have to worry about the foam issues...

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#46235

Foam Fluxer problems | 18 December, 2006

Thanks...I think you could just have just about hit the nail on the head there.

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Real Chunks

#46236

Foam Fluxer problems | 18 December, 2006

Always check your specific gravity. It directly affects your faoming. Put ping pong balls in your fluxer to reduce your thinner from evaporating.

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RDR

#46237

Foam Fluxer problems | 18 December, 2006

Real tough to foam that no-clean formula there. Most no-cleans are notoriously difficult to foam. I assume that you have both a pressure and a flow regulator. low pressure and high flow are keys to fowm head height as well as S.G. also make sure that you have the level of flux somewhat low as well soi the fopam head does not travel through liquid.

Russ

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KEN

#46254

Foam Fluxer problems | 18 December, 2006

Not sure on that exact hardware setup. However, given the vintage I would make sure all hoses and stone fittings are not leaking air.

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