How to Choose a (Flux) Supplier

How do I choose the right supplier(s) for my product? This question can be daunting and will typically lead to a multitude of additional questions: Who will fabricate my bare boards? Who will supply my components? What flux will I use and who will be my supplier? Will I outsource the assembly process and to whom?

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Flux and Supplier

Here are some key questions to ask:

• Will there be any soldering challenges for my product?

• What are the flux delivery system challenges? Should I use a foam, spray or atomized system?

• Should the flux be water-based or alcohol-based?

• Should I choose a cleanable flux?

• If I use no-clean, what is the required activation temperature to ensure the residues are benign?

• Does the flux need to be probeable for ICT?

• How do I ensure the residues have been fully heat activated and are not corrosive and/or conductive?

• What soldering environment(s) is the flux suited for (e.g. air, nitrogen)?

• How difficult are the residues to clean from a selective solder pallet?

• For repair or rework, how much heat will be required to properly activate and ensure that residues are benign?

How Foresite Can Help

Over the past 20 years, we have worked with clients to match the right flux to their particular product and process requirements. Foresite has unique insight into selecting flux material and application equipment, optimizing equipment and processes, evaluating PCBAs for areas that are at increased risk of flux entrapment or present cleaning challenges, and analytical testing to ensure flux residues are not a threat to assembly reliability. With two decades of experience in failure analysis covering every industry associated with electronics, Foresite has the experience and knowledge to help you develop processes that will result in a reliable, quality product.