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Technical Data Sheet
88 Flux-Cored Wire
Product Description
Rosin Cored Wire for Lead-bearing and Lead-free Alloys
Kester 88 Rosin Flux is an activated rosin formula for use in flux-cored solder wire. 88 has virtually dominated the field
of activated rosin core solders for well over four decades. An outstanding performance feature of this flux is the “instant-
action” wetting behavior. The high mobility and fast-spreading action of this flux results in more reliable production line
soldering.
Kester 88 is an activated rosin (RA) flux-cored solder wire. Flux 88 consists of high quality Grade WW rosin to which has
been added an extremely effective activating agent. This rosin flux formulation is the most robust RA flux available. The
degree of activity has been increased to provide better fluxing action in those cases where typical RA flux will not wet
metal surfaces which are excessively oxidized. 88 flux is classified as ROM1 per J-STD-004.
Performance Characteristics:
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High activity RA formulation
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Classified as ROM1 per J-STD-004
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Excellent solderability to a wide
variety of metalizations such a nickel
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Compatible with leaded and lead-
free alloys
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:
Moderate
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.3.32
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
Corrosion Test:
Moderate
Chloride and Bromides:
0.88%
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.6.15
Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method
2.3.35
Global Headquarters: 800 West Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, IL USA 60143
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Phone: +1 800.2.KESTER
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Fax: +1 630.616.4044
Asia-Pacific Headquarters: 61 Ubi Avenue 1 #06-01 UB Point, Singapore 408941
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Phone: +65 6.449.1133
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Fax: +65 6.242.9036
European Headquarters: Ganghofer Strasse 45, 82216 Gernlinden, Germany
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Phone: +49 (0) 8142 4785 0
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Fax: +49 (0) 8142 4785 61
Asia Manufacturing: Hengqiao Road, Wujiang Economic Development Zone
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Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China 215200
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Phone: +86 512.82060807
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Fax: +86 512.8206 0808
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Website: www.kester.com
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Application Notes
Availability
88 flux cored wire is available in a wide variety of alloys, wire diameters and flux percentages and roll sizes. 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.
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Process Considerations
Solder iron tip temperatures are most commonly between 315°C-343°C (600°F-650°F) for Sn63Pb37 and Sn62Pb36Ag2
alloys. Solder tip should be 371°C-399°C (700°F-750°F). Heat both the land area and component lead to be soldered with
the iron prior to applying the solder wire to the land area or component lead. Do not apply the wire directly to the soldering
iron tip. If needed, Kester 186 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux may be used as a compatible liquid flux to aid in reworking
soldered joints. Kester 186 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux is also available in Flux-Pens
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for optimum board cleanliness.
Cleaning
88 possesses excellent fluxing ability, the flux residue is non-corrosive and non-conductive under normal conditions of
use. When exposed to an elevated temperature and humidity environment (38°C, 94% RH) for 72 hours, there is no
evidence of corrosion caused by the flux residue. IPA will not clean the residues off the surface of the circuit board after
the soldering process. A saponifier or cleaning agent specifically designed to clean a rosin based flux is required to clean
the residues. Please contact Kester’s Technical Support for further information.
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
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