®
Technical Data Sheet
331 Flux-Cored Wire
Product Description
Organic Cored Wire for Lead-free and Leaded Alloys
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
variety of metalizations
■
Easy removal in hot DI water
■
Compatible with leaded and lead-
free alloys
■
Classified as ORH1 per J-STD-004
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
Corrosion Test:
High
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.3.32
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.6.15
Silver Chromate:
Fail
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.3.33
Fluorides by Spot Test:
Pass
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.3.35.1
Chloride and Bromides:
1.2%
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.3.35
Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR),
(typical):
Pass
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.6.3.3
Blank
Day 1
Day 4
Day 7
1.9*10 Ω
10
331
2.0*10 Ω
9
2.2*10
10
Ω
1.7*10
10
Ω
7.8*10
9
Ω
4.1*10
9
Ω
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 315-343°C (600-650°F) for Sn63Pb37 and Sn62Pb36Ag02
alloys, and 371-400°C (700-750°F) 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 (120°F-140°F 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 10-40°C (50-104°F). 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
■