®
Technical Data Sheet
Ultrapure K100LD Lead-free Solder Alloy
Product Description
Pressure from marketing and legislation in both Europe and Asia have forced electronics manufacturers to move away
from lead-based solders. Typical lead-free alloys contain 3-4% silver, which can be costly.
In addition to cost concerns, typical Tin/Silver/Copper (or SAC) alloys also present issues with increased dissolution of
Copper from boards and components during the soldering process. As an example, SAC305, one of the industry’s most
popular lead-free wave soldering alloys, is known to dissolve Copper at a rate more than twice as fast as Sn63Pb37.
In response to demand for a low cost and low copper dissolution alloy, Kester has developed Ultrapure K100LD. K100LD
is a eutectic Tin/Copper alloy with controlled metallic dopants to control the grain structure within the solder joint, and to
minimize the dissolution of copper into the solder pot. K100LD virtually eliminates the occurrence of common defects such
as icicling and bridging. The improved grain structure also results in shinier solder joints than traditional lead-free alloy
alternatives.
The accelerated rate of Copper dissolution has caused difficulties for electronic assemblers due to Copper terminal
erosion and also elevated Copper levels in wave soldering pots. In particular, the elevated Copper levels in wave
soldering pots can make the alloy flow more sluggishly, creating additional defects if the solder pot is not carefully
controlled.
Alloy
K100LD
Sn63
Competitor A (SnCuNi)
Competitor B (SAC + Bi)
SAC305
SnCu
Sn96.5Ag3.5
Pure Tin
0.8
1.0
1.0
1.6
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Relative Rate
K100LD compares favorably to other low-cost, lead-free alloys of tin and copper in terms of wetting and flow
characteristics.
■
Low cost, lead-free alloy
■
Bright, smooth solder joints with no visible shrinkage effects
■
Excellent through-hole penetration and topside fillet
■
Low dissolution of copper from boards and components into solder pot
■
Eutectic alloy
■
20% Lower dross rate than Sn63Pb37 in laboratory tests
■
Less corrosive to solder pots than SAC305
Pot Maintenance
Kester’s Solder Analysis Program (Option C) should be utilized periodically to verify composition and purity. If the
concentration of Copper increases beyond 0.85%, it is recommended to top-off the solder pot with 100% tin.
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
Process Information
Suitable for wave, selective and dip tinning operations. Use Kester fluxes 979, 959T, 2220-VF, 2235 for optimum wave
soldering. Pot temperatures range for wave and dip tinning is 260-270°C.
®
Maximum Allowed Impurities
Ultrapure meets the requirements of current industry standards for allowable impurity requirements.
Element
J-STD-006C
K100LD
Gold
0.050
0.050
Antimony
0.200
0.200
Cadmium
0.002
0.002
Zinc
0.003
0.003
Aluminum
0.005
0.005
Iron
0.020
0.020
Arsenic
0.030
0.030
Silver
0.100
0.100
Indium
0.100
0.100
Lead
0.050
0.050
Ultrapure will conform to these requirements when purchased directly or through stocking distributors. Kester is the only
manufacture of Ultrapure quality solder. Ultrapure conforms to the requirements of J-STD-006C formerly QQ-S-571F.
DOD-STD-2000-1A (Soldering Technology, High Quality/High Reliability) states that it is the responsibility of the manufac-
turer to select those materials and processes that will produce acceptable high quality/high reliability products.
Physical Properties
Melting Temperature
Tensile Strength
Thermal Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
~227°C (441°F)
3 2 MPa (4600 psi)
64 W/m-K
13 μΩ-cm
Storage, Handling and Shelf Life
Kester bar solder has an indefinite shelf life when stored in a dry, non-corrosive environment. The surface may lose its
shine and appear a dull shade of gray. This is a surface phenomenon and is not detrimental to product functionality.
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
■