Bad solder paste
Rayman
Posts: 14,744
Well, at least not working for me...
Bought some of this stuff:
SMD4300AX250T4
Thought it was same that got before, but now see that this is a "water wash" version.
Leaves behind residue that looks very bad.
Maybe "water washable" means that you have to wash it?
Heard of people putting boards in dishwasher...
Getting the regular stuff and ditching this.
Pretty sure this the one:
TS391AX250
Also have the advantage of not needing refrigeration...
Comments
Also, the wash version must need a completely different temperature profile that my oven knows about...
Had an 0805 part that didn't actually wet and connect. Never seen that before.
Maybe I just got a bad batch.
Pulled expired one out of trash, been there many days and it works better...
I've used a similar paste, but lead free. It needs pretty hot water to wash it effectively and maybe some dish soap. The tap may not be hot enough. I wouldn't put boards in a dishwasher I use for dishes even if they're lead free.
I've always used an old toothbrush (light durometer) with rubbing alcohol to remove residue from hand soldering or paste from wave soldering machine. ... and in some cases mineral oil instead of rubbing alcohol.
Also, you'd be surprised how easy it is to "revive" an old tub of water based paste.... Just add a little water and place a HEX bolt in a drill for a stirrer. Spin it until it looks to be the right consistency. I've had tubs for years work just fine this way. THIS after the tub has lived out in a barn, experiencing seasonal hot and cold cycles with no special care or refrigeration to the solder paste.
That's good to hear. A big relief for me. I'd totally been put off even trying paste myself because of its rated lifespan.