VOC free flux

Dave:

The main part of your machine that VOC-Free fluxes attack is your spray fluxer itself. If you haven't already, you'll need to purchase a spray fluxer that's designed to accomodate water-based VOC-Free fluxes (i.e. made of stainless steel with polymer tubing, non-brass fittings, etc.). Ultrasonic System's Opti-Flux is such a machine. We replaced a couple of our old-style spray fluxers with Opti's.

If you search the archives and also SMTNet library, there are some pretty informative threads (many of which I put my $.02 in) and papers on VOC-Free flux and spray fluxers also (benefits, drawbacks, etc). I implemented VOC-Free flux here at my company, and if you'd like,I can send you the paper that I did.

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David, Your concern is legitimate regarding the aggressiveness of VOC free flux. Water (the main substance of VOC free flux)is much more aggressive than alcohol. You will have an increased need to be more cautious from a compatibility standpoint, regarding the hardware in the fluxing area. The comments from CK are correct, most people do run these fluxes with a spray fluxer. There are various options on the market to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Good luck researching VOC free flux. If you have any questions regarding different fluxes available, feel free to contact me. Steve Harshbarger Sono-Tek Corp. NY 914-795-2020

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