Wave soldering flux is a chemical formulation applied to the underside of a PCB before it passes through the solder wave. Its purpose is to remove oxides, promote solder wetting, and ensure strong, defect-free joints in through-hole and mixed-technology assemblies.

The flux cleans the metal surfaces, prevents further oxidation during the soldering process, and allows molten solder to flow and adhere properly to component leads and pads. It plays a vital role in the reliability and quality of solder joints.

Common types include rosin-based, water-soluble, and no-clean fluxes. Each offers specific benefits depending on cleaning requirements, residue tolerance, and regulatory constraints. INVENTEC Performance Chemicals offers all three flux types to suit various industrial needs.

No-clean fluxes are ideal when post-solder cleaning is not feasible or necessary. They leave minimal, non-corrosive residues that are safe to remain on the assembly. These are widely used in consumer electronics and cost-sensitive production environments.

Water-soluble fluxes provide excellent wetting and cleaning power, especially on oxidized or challenging surfaces. They must be cleaned after soldering, making them ideal for high-reliability applications such as medical, aerospace, or military electronics.

Poor flux performance can lead to defects such as bridging, cold solder joints, non-wetting, and excessive residues. Choosing the right flux and applying it correctly helps eliminate these issues and improves overall soldering reliability.

Flux is typically applied using foam, spray, or wave fluxers prior to preheating and the solder wave. Uniform coverage and precise control of flux volume are critical for consistent soldering quality and residue management.

Consider the PCB finish, component type, post-solder cleaning requirements, environmental constraints (RoHS/REACH), and overall process compatibility. INVENTEC offers process-specific flux selection guidance based on your production goals and technical needs.

Yes. Many modern wave soldering fluxes, including those from INVENTEC Performance Chemicals, are formulated to meet RoHS and REACH environmental standards, supporting sustainable electronics manufacturing.

Yes. INVENTEC Performance Chemicals provides a full range of wave soldering fluxes, including low-residue no-clean, water-soluble, and rosin-based options. These are designed for high-yield performance, low defect rates, and compatibility with various PCB materials and finishes.