Technical Data Sheet 331 Flux-Cored Wire Organic Cored Wire for Lead-free and Leaded Alloys Product Description Kester 331 organic flux is a water-soluble formula for use in flux-cored solder wire. This cored solder version of the popular 2331-ZX Neutral Organic Water Soluble Liquid Flux is more effective than rosin fluxes in soldering difficult metals. The same fast action and mild properties are exhibited with 331 Organic Flux as with the liquid 2331-ZX. The flux is more heat stable than most organic fluxes, resulting in minimal smoke and odor. The residue can be completely removed with a simple heated water rinse. Deionized water is suggested to prevent introduction of chemistries from unknown water sources. Performance Characteristics: Excellent solderability to a wide Easy removal in hot DI water Classified as ORH1 per J-STD-004 variety of metalizations Compatible with leaded and lead- free alloys RoHS Compliance Kester does not determine any applicable Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) exemptions for our lead containing products at the user level. (Applies only if this core flux is combined with a lead-free alloy) Reliability Properties Copper Mirror Corrosion: High Silver Chromate: Fail Fluorides by Spot Test: Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.32 2.3.35.1 2.3.33 Corrosion Test: High Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR), Chloride and Bromides: 1.2% Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method (typical): Pass 2.6.15 2.3.35 Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.3.3 Blank 331 10 9 Day 1 1.9*10 2.0*10 10 9 Day 4 2.2*10 7.8*10 10 9 Day 7 1.7*10 4.1*10 Global Headquarters: 800 West Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, IL USA 60143 Phone: +1 800.2.KESTER Fax: +1 630.616.4044 Asia-Pacific Headquarters: 61 Ubi Avenue 1 06-01 UB Point, Singapore 408941 Phone: +65 6.449.1133 Fax: +65 6.242.9036 European Headquarters: Ganghofer Strasse 45, 82216 Gernlinden, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 8142 4785 0 Fax: +49 (0) 8142 4785 61 Asia Manufacturing: Hengqiao Road, Wujiang Economic Development Zone Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China 215200 Phone: +86 512.82060807 Fax: +86 512.8206 0808 Website: www.kester.com Application Notes Availability 331 is available in a wide variety of alloys, wire diameters and flux percentages. The most common alloys are Sn63Pb37, Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 and K100LD. Please refer to www.kester.com for wire diameters, flux percentages and roll sizes that are available. Note: Core size 50, 58 and 66 = 1.1%, 2.2% and 3.3% flux core. Process Considerations Solder iron tip temperatures are most commonly between 315-343C (600-650F) for Sn63Pb37 and Sn62Pb36Ag02 alloys, and 371-400C (700-750F) for lead-free alloys. Heat both the land area and component lead to be soldered with the iron prior to touching the land with the cored wire. Do not apply the wire directly to the soldering iron tip. If needed, Kester 2331-ZX organic flux may be used as a compatible liquid flux to aid in reworking soldered joints. Kester 2331-ZX is available in Flux-Pens. Cleaning The 331 flux residue is conductive and will cause corrosion of metal parts over time. Residue removal should be completed within 48 hours. 331 Organic Flux has the advantage over many competitive water-soluble flux formulations in that the residue is easily and completely removed with plain hot water (120F-140F degrees). Softened tap water or deionized water is recommended for high reliability. Use of hard or high mineral content tap water will increase ionic cleanliness measurements. Storage and Warranty Period Storage must be in a dry, non-corrosive environment between 10-40C (50-104F). The surface may lose its shine and appear a dull shade of grey. This is a surface phenomenon and is not detrimental to product functionality. Flux-cored solder wire has a limited warranty period determined by the alloy used in the wire. For alloys containing more than 70% lead, the warranty period is 2 years from the date of manufacture. Other alloys have a warranty period of 3 years from the date of manufacture. Health and Safety This product, during handling or use, may be hazardous to your health or the environment. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and warning label before using this product. Global Headquarters: 800 West Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, IL USA 60143 Phone: +1 800.2.KESTER Fax: +1 630.616.4044 Asia-Pacific Headquarters: 61 Ubi Avenue 1 06-01 UB Point, Singapore 408941 Phone: +65 6.449.1133 Fax: +65 6.242.9036 European Headquarters: Ganghofer Strasse 45, 82216 Gernlinden, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 8142 4785 0 Fax: +49 (0) 8142 4785 61 Asia Manufacturing: Hengqiao Road, Wujiang Economic Development Zone Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China 215200 Phone: +86 512.82060807 Fax: +86 512.8206 0808 Website: www.kester.com