1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of the Alpha AQ-6000 No-Clean Water Soluble Solder Wire Flux. This product is designed for various soldering applications, offering a combination of no-clean properties and water solubility for post-solder residue removal if desired. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure optimal performance and safety.
2. Product Overview
The Alpha AQ-6000 is a high-quality solder wire with an integrated flux core. Key characteristics include:
- No-Clean Formula: Designed to leave minimal, non-corrosive residues that typically do not require cleaning.
- Water Soluble: Residues can be easily cleaned with deionized water if cleaning is necessary for specific applications.
- Alloy Composition: Sn63Pb37 (Tin 63%, Lead 37%), a eutectic alloy known for its low melting point and good flow characteristics.
- Wire Diameter: 0.032 inches (0.81 mm).
- Spool Size: 1 pound (approximately 454 grams).
Figure 1: Alpha AQ-6000 No-Clean Water Soluble Solder Wire Flux, 1lb Spool. The image shows a green and white spool of solder wire, labeled "WATER-SOLUBLE alpha ALPHA Aqualine 6000" with product details and a barcode.
3. Safety Information
Always prioritize safety when working with soldering materials. Refer to the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive safety information. The following are general safety guidelines:
- Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area or with local exhaust ventilation to remove fumes.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from solder splatter. Consider gloves to prevent skin contact.
- Hot Surfaces: Solder and soldering irons become extremely hot. Avoid direct contact.
- Lead Content: This product contains lead (Sn63Pb37). Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest.
- Fire Safety: Keep away from flammable materials. Have appropriate fire extinguishing equipment available.
- Disposal: Dispose of solder waste and residues according to local regulations.
As indicated on the product label, "See warning on other side" for additional safety precautions.
4. Setup
Before beginning any soldering task, ensure your workspace is properly prepared:
- Workspace: Set up in a clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated area.
- Tools: Gather all necessary tools, including a soldering iron, stand, tip cleaner (sponge or brass wool), wire cutters, and any components to be soldered.
- Solder Iron Temperature: Set your soldering iron to the appropriate temperature for Sn63Pb37 solder, typically between 350°C and 400°C (662°F and 752°F), depending on the application and component sensitivity.
- Tip Preparation: Ensure the soldering iron tip is clean and properly tinned with a small amount of solder.
5. Operating Instructions
Follow these steps for effective soldering with Alpha AQ-6000 solder wire:
- Prepare Surfaces: Ensure all surfaces to be soldered are clean, free of oxidation, dirt, and grease.
- Heat Joint: Apply the hot soldering iron tip to both the component lead and the pad/trace simultaneously. Heat both surfaces evenly.
- Apply Solder: Once the joint is sufficiently hot, feed a small amount of Alpha AQ-6000 solder wire directly onto the joint, not onto the iron tip. The solder should flow smoothly and quickly around the joint, forming a shiny, concave fillet.
- Remove Solder and Iron: Remove the solder wire first, then immediately remove the soldering iron. Avoid moving the joint until the solder has fully solidified (a few seconds).
- Inspect Joint: Visually inspect the solder joint. It should be shiny, smooth, and have a concave shape, indicating good wetting.
- Residue Management: The AQ-6000 is a no-clean flux. For most applications, residues can be left on the board. If cleaning is required for aesthetic reasons or specific electrical requirements, use deionized water.
6. Maintenance and Storage
Proper storage ensures the longevity and performance of your solder wire:
- Storage Conditions: Store the solder wire in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity.
- Original Packaging: Keep the solder wire in its original packaging or a sealed container to protect it from dust and environmental contaminants.
- Temperature: Avoid extreme temperatures, which can degrade the flux performance.
- Handling: Handle the spool carefully to prevent damage to the wire.
7. Troubleshooting
Common issues and their potential solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dull, grainy solder joint | Insufficient heat; joint moved before solidification. | Increase iron temperature slightly; ensure joint is stable during cooling. |
| Solder not flowing well | Insufficient heat; oxidized surfaces; dirty iron tip. | Increase iron temperature; clean surfaces thoroughly; clean and re-tin iron tip. |
| Excessive smoke/fumes | Iron temperature too high; poor ventilation. | Reduce iron temperature; ensure adequate ventilation or use a fume extractor. |
| Solder bridging | Too much solder applied; incorrect iron technique. | Use less solder; remove excess with desoldering braid/pump; refine technique. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Alpha |
| Model | AQ-6000 |
| Alloy Composition | Sn63Pb37 (Tin 63%, Lead 37%) |
| Flux Type | No-Clean, Water Soluble |
| Wire Diameter | 0.032 inches |
| Spool Weight | 1 Pound (approx. 454 grams) |
| Manufacturer/Supplier | HISCO (Brand: Alpha) |
| ASIN | B072XW7XY9 |
| First Available | June 20, 2017 |
9. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty information for the Alpha AQ-6000 solder wire is not provided in the product details. For warranty claims, technical support, or additional product information, please contact Alpha directly or the authorized distributor from whom the product was purchased.
Manufacturer: HISCO
Brand: Alpha
For further assistance, refer to the official Alpha website or contact their customer service department.
