defluxing using spray

[Juaquin]

For what it's worth, I just use alcohol (91%, 94% whatever is handy) and a lint-free cloth. Toothbrush on really grimy areas, if needed. Never had a problem with residue, works great, dries in a few seconds. Don't see the need for anything else.

 

[cegras]

If you can find out what's in the defluxing spray, you could always try to buy that solvent yourself.

Ether (er, explosive), chloroform (vicious narcotic), and benzene (carcinogen ahoy!).

From wikipedia on rosin.

Those might attack your PCB too, so yeah.

 

[cegras]

Product sheet:

Isopropanol………………………….…………. (67-63-0) 50-55%
Ethanol…………...……………………….……. (64-17-5) 5-10%-Aerosol
6-11%-Bulk
2-Methyl-2-Propanol……………………….….. (75-65-0) <<1%-Aerosol
1.4%-Bulk
Dimethyl Ketone………………………………. (67-64-1) 10-12%
Cyclotetramethylene Oxide……….………….. (109-99-9) 20-25%
Acetic Acid, Propyl Ester……………….…….. (109-60-4) 5-10%

You could try making your own mix .. and then putting it into a spray bottle for plants, or whatever. It's basically a bunch of solvents that can cover most things.

Edit: Ouch, THF.

 

[nightanole]

Ill chime in here too.

you can try no clean, but it doesnt wet as good.

Get kester "285" solder. It is a rosin core that doesnt need removed, and actually protects the joint if you leave it on. Its perfectly safe to leave on up to 200F operating conditions.


For cleaning around here i use jewelry sonic cleaners and the high purity alcohol (above 90%) and then blow them off with an air hose. Then its so clean you could eat off of it. You cant clean certain parts like crystals with it though.

Amazon.com: Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry and Eyeglass Cleaner Cleaning Machine: Electronics

 

[dbfreak]

I use the 99% iso alcohol for the soak cycle (in a large shallow Pyrex pan) for ten minutes. Take them out and scrub them with a brush, another rinse in the alcohol and a final cleansing with CRC Electronic Contact Cleaner and blow it dry with some compressed air. Results is a spotless board.