952-S
Low-Solids No-Clean Flux
Product Description
Physical Properties
Kester 952-S is a halide-free, non-rosin organic
flux designed for wave soldering of conventional Specific Gravity: 0.803
and surface mount circuit board assemblies. The Antoine Paar DMA 35 @ 25°C
extremely low solids content (2.0%) and nature of
the activator system results in practically no Percent Solids (theoretical): 2.0
residue left on the assembly after soldering.
Boards are dry and cosmetically clean as they exit Acid Number (typical): 15.0 mg KOH/g of flux
Tested by potentiometric titration
the wave solder machine. There are no residues
to interfere with electrical testing, and the expense
of cleaning is eliminated. Reliability Properties
Kester 952-S exhibits improved soldering perform- Copper Mirror Corrosion: Low
ance to minimize solder bridges (shorts) during Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.32
rework operations. This non-corrosive and non-
conductive flux meets the strictest requirements of Corrosion Test: Low
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.15
of Bellcore GR-78 specifications. This flux is suit-
able for solar, automotive, computer, telecommu-
Silver Chromate: Pass
nications and other applications where reliability Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.33
considerations are critical. The surface insulation
resistance on soldered boards is higher than that Chloride and Bromides: None Detected
provided by typical organic water-soluble fluxes. Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35
Kester 952-S is classified as Type L flux under the Fluorides by Spot Test: Pass
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35.1
J-STD-004 specification and passes the surface
insulation resistance requirements for high reliabil- SIR, IPC (typical): Pass
ity products. Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.3.3
Blank 952S
Performance Characteristics:
• Halide-free Day 1 1.0 ´ 10 W 9
1.2 ´ 109 W
• Eliminates the need and expense of cleaning Day 4 1.7 ´ 109 W 1.5 ´ 109 W
• Good cosmetic appearance Day 7 2.0 ´ 109 W 1.6 ´ 109 W
• Non-corrosive and non-conductive
Class 3 @ 85°C/85%RH
• No surface insulation resistance degradation
• Uniform, stable foam head in foam fluxing
• Suitable for leaded and lead-free applications RoHS Compliance
• Classified as ORL0 per J-STD-004 This product meets the requirements of the RoHS
• Conforms to Bellcore GR-78 (Restricition of Hazardous Substances) Directive,
2002/95/EC Article 4 for the stated banned sub-
stances.
952-S
Application Notes
Flux Application:
Kester 952-S is specially designed for spray fluxing. Flux desposition should be 90-190mg of solids/cm2 (600-
1200 mg of solids/in2). An air knife after the flux tank is recommended to remove excess flux from the circuit board
and prevent dripping on the preheater surface.
Process Considerations:
The optimum preheat temperature for most circuit assemblies is 93-110°C (199-230°F) as measured on the top
or component side of the assembly. The optimum preheat temperature for most circuit assemblies is 113-150°C
(235-302°F) as measured at the bottom or component side of the assembly. It is still important to note that the
optimum preheat temperature for a given assembly will depend on the circuit board design, board thickness,
length of contact time with molten solder, solder wave shape, speed of solder flow and preheating time.
Dwell time in the wave is typically 2-4 seconds. The wave soldering speed should be adjusted to accomplish
proper preheating and evaporate excess solvent, which could cause spattering. For best results, speeds of 0.8 -
1.2 m/min (2.6 - 3.9 ft/min) are used. The surface tension has been adjusted to help the flux form a thin film on the
board surface allowing rapid solvent evaporation. The solderpot temperature is recommeded to be 245° - 255°C
(473° - 491°F) for Sn63Pb37 alloy. Above information is a guideline and it is advisable to note that the optimum
settings for a given assembly may vary and this is dependent on the circuit board design, board thickness, com-
ponents used and equipment used. A design of experiment is recommended to optimize the soldering process.
Flux Control:
Acid number is normally the most reliable method to control the flux concentration of low solids, no-clean fluxes.
To check concentration, a simple acid-base titration should be used. Kester PS-22 Test Kit method gives a more
accurate procedure than the use of auto-density controller in the determination of flux concentruation. Control of
the flux in flux tank during use is necessary for assurance of consistent flux distribution on the circuit boards. The
complex nature of the solvent system for the flux makes it imperative that Kester 108-S Thinner be used to replace
evaporative losses. When excessive debris from circuit boards, such as board fibers, and other debris from the air
line build up in the flux tank, these particulates will redeposit on the circuit boards which may create a build up of
residues on probe test pins. It is, therefore, necessary to clean the tank and then replenish it with fresh flux when
excessive debris accumulates in the flux tank. Incoming solderability inspection of circuit boards and components
is advisable as part of process control to maintain consistent soldering results.
Cleaning:
Kester 952-S flux residues are non-conductive, non-corrosive and do not require removal in most applications. If
residue removal is required, call Kester Technical Support.
Storage and Shelf Life:
Kester 952-S is flammable. Store away from sources of ignition. Shelf life is 1 year from date of manufacture when
handled properly and held at 10-25°C (50-77°F).
Health & Safety:
This product, during handling or use, may be hazardous to health or the environment. Read the Material Safety
Data Sheet and warning label before using this product.
World Headquarters: 800 W. Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, Illinois, 60143 USA
Phone: (+1) 630-616-4000 • Email:
[email protected] • Website: www.kester.com
Asia Pacific Headquarters European Headquarters Japanese Headquarters
500 Chai Chee Lane Zum Plom 5 20-11 Yokokawau 2-Chome
Singapore 469024 08541 Neuensalz Sumida-Ku
(+65) 6449-1133 Germany Tokyo 130-0003 Japan
[email protected] (+49) 3741 4233-0 (+81) 3-3624-5351
[email protected] [email protected]The data recommendations presented are based on tests, which we consider reliable. Because Kester has no control over the conditions of use, we disclaim any responsibility connected with the
use of any of our products or the information presented. We advise that all chemical products be used only by or under the direction of technically qualified personnel who are aware of the poten-
tial hazards involved and the necessity for reasonable care in their handling. The technical information contained herein is consistent with the properties of this material but should not be used in
the preparation of specifications as it is intended for reference only. For assistance in preparing specifications, please contact your local Kester office for details.
Rev: 20Sep12
