RA Solder Creams

RA10

• High activity to deal with poor component solderability
• Suitable for printing and dispensing applications
• Good slump resistance
• Good tack performance and printer open time

PRODUCT RANGE

Multicore RA10 solder creams may be supplied with powder made from most solder alloys in the Multicore Product Range. The most common alloys used are Sn60, Sn62 and Sn63 conforming to the purity requirements of JSTD-006 and EN 29453. Minimum order requirements may apply to certain alloys and powder particle sizes.
   Multicore RA10 contains an RA type of activator and will be suitable for many assembly processes. It is especially suited to meet the demands of high volume production processes using components and boards which have less than the desirable level of solderability.
   RA10 may be used as a No Clean Solder Cream for many consumer electronics assembly processes.

RECOMMENDED OPERATING CONDITIONS

APPLICATION: Currently grades of RA10 solder creams are available for dispensing (86% metal), screen printing (88% metal) or stencil printing (90% metal).

REFLOW: It is not possible to specify ideal conditions for reflow since they depend more on the design of the boards and the capability of the reflow equipment. RA10 has been successfully reflowed with a wide range of temperature profiles. It may be reflowed in an air atmosphere. The following shows examples of profiles used successfully in practice.

CLEANING: The residues from Multicore RA10 solder creams may be left on the PCB in some applications where they do not pose a hazard to long term reliability. They may be removed in conventional cleaning processes based on solvents such as Multicore Prozone. If enhanced residue reliability is required without cleaning, the user should evaluate Multiprint NC73 solder creams. If conformance to the IPC Type L specification is required then Multiprint NC62 should be selected.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

SOLDER POWDER: The solder powder for Multicore RA10 solder creams is produced by atomising alloys conforming to the purity requirements of JSTD-006, EN 29453 or other national and international standards where relevant.
   

SOLDER CREAM MEDIUM: Multicore RA10 contains a stable resin system and a blend of solvents.
   The flux has been formulated to meet the requirements of IPC type MR3CN specification or the MIL-F-14256 RA classification.

SOLDER CREAM: The properties of a solder cream depend in part on the metal content, the solder alloy and the solder powder particle size range. In general terms, increasing metal content reduces the tendency to slump and reduces the tackiness of the solder cream while the solder balling performance improves.

PACKAGING

CONTAINERS: Multicore RA10 solder creams are supplied in:

• 1kg, 500g or 250g plastic jars with an insert to seal off the surface of the cream
• 1kg vacuum filled cartridges for direct application

Other forms of packaging may be available on request.

SHELF LIFE: Providing Multicore RA10 solder creams are stored at 5 - 10°C tightly sealed in the original container, a minimum shelf life of 6 months can be expected.
   Multicore RA10 solder creams have been formulated to reduce separation on storage to a minimum but should it occur, gentle stirring will return the products to their correct rheological performance.

HEALTH & SAFETY

WARNING: The following information is for guidance only and users must refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets relevant to specific Multicore RA10 solder cream products before use.

FUMES, VAPOURS and PRECAUTIONS: The flux fumes given off at soldering temperatures are irritating to the nose, throat and respiratory organs. Prolonged or repeated exposure to flux fumes may cause sensitisation.
   These materials should always be used in a well ventilated area and suitable fume extraction equipment should be used to extract flux fumes away from the operators.

PROTECTION & HYGIENE: Suitable protective clothing should be worn to prevent materials from coming into contact with the skin and eyes. If the materials come into contact with the skin, the affected area should be cleaned with a proprietary skin cleanser followed by washing with soap and water. If the materials come into contact with the eyes, they should be irrigated thoroughly with running water for at least ten minutes and medical attention sought.
   Eating, drinking or smoking should not be permitted in the working area and hands should be washed thoroughly before eating.

FIRE HAZARDS and PRECAUTIONS: The flashpoint of the solvent used in these materials is high (127°C) but it is combustible. Carbon dioxide, foam or dry powder extinguishers are suitable. High temperatures may produce heavy metal dust, fumes and/or vapours. Do not use water where molten metal is present.

SPILLAGE and WASTE DISPOSAL: Spills of the materials should be scraped up and the contaminated area washed with water.
   Waste materials should be stored in closed containers and disposed of in accordance with the relevant local and national regulations.