When Should Flux Residue be Cleaned from Circuit Boards?
Flux residue cleaning is determined by factors like flux type, board application, and manufacturing requirements. Common scenarios include:
Flux Type
Electrical Performance
Residues can absorb moisture, causing conductivity issues, leakage currents, or shorts in high-frequency or high-voltage applications.
Aesthetic and Inspection Needs
Clean for visual quality in consumer products or demonstration units and to ensure clear solder joint inspection during testing.
Conformal Coating or Encapsulation
Residues can weaken adhesion and disrupt protective layers like coatings or potting materials.
Corrosion Risks
In humid or harsh environments, residues may absorb moisture, leading to corrosion of components and traces.
Compliance with Standards
Industry standards like IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 often require cleaning for certain applications and environments.
Final Consideration
When in doubt, clean the residue to prevent performance and reliability issues, especially in high-reliability applications.
Flux Type
- No-Clean Flux Residue: Typically left on boards but may need cleaning for aerospace, medical, or military applications. We recommend VeriClean No clean Flux Remover.
- Rosin-Based Flux Residue: Clean when residues hinder coating adhesion or electrical performance. We recommend SuprClean Heavy Duty Rosin Flux Remover.
- Water-Soluble Flux Residue: Must always be cleaned due to its high conductivity and corrosiveness. We recommend ProClean Alcohol Enhanced Flux Remover.
Residues can absorb moisture, causing conductivity issues, leakage currents, or shorts in high-frequency or high-voltage applications.
Aesthetic and Inspection Needs
Clean for visual quality in consumer products or demonstration units and to ensure clear solder joint inspection during testing.
Conformal Coating or Encapsulation
Residues can weaken adhesion and disrupt protective layers like coatings or potting materials.
Corrosion Risks
In humid or harsh environments, residues may absorb moisture, leading to corrosion of components and traces.
Compliance with Standards
Industry standards like IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 often require cleaning for certain applications and environments.
Final Consideration
When in doubt, clean the residue to prevent performance and reliability issues, especially in high-reliability applications.