Kester 285 Data Sheet

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285

285

Mildly Activated Rosin Cored Wire

Mildly Activated Rosin Cored Wire

For Lead-bearing and Lead-free alloys

For Lead-bearing and Lead-free alloys

Product Description

Kester 285 mildly activated rosin flux is classified
as Type ROL0 flux under IPC J-STD-004. This
flux was formerly classified as Type RMA per
QQ-S-571. Kester 285 consists of high quality,
purified rosin to which a synergistic combination of
activating agents has been incorporated. The
fluxing ability of 285 is much greater than ordinary
mildly activated rosin fluxes and is comparable to
fully activated rosin fluxes. Kester 285 has been
developed for use in the electronic industry where
difficult assemblies are to be soldered, but process
requirements stipulate use of a mildly activated
rosin flux.

Performance Characteristics:

• Industry standard RMA cored wire

• Compatible with leaded and lead-free alloys

• Classified as ROL0 per J-STD-004

RoHS Compliance

This product meets the requirements of the RoHS
(Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive,
2002/95/EC Article 4 for the stated banned
substances. (Applies only if this core flux is
combined with a lead free alloy)

Reliability Properties

Copper Mirror Corrosion: Low

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.32

Corrosion Test: Low

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.15

Silver Chromate: Pass

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.33

Chloride and Bromides: None Detected

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35

Fluorides by Spot Test: Pass

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35.1

SIR, IPC (typical): Pass

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.3.3

Blank 285

Day 1
Day 4
Day 7

Spread Test (typical):

Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.46

Flux Core Solder Cu Ni
285 Mildly Activated Rosin 335 (0.52) 140 (0.22)
282 Mildly Activated Rosin 240 (0.37) 100 (0.16)
44 Fully Activated Rosin 280 (0.43) 160 (0.25)

1.0 ´ 1010W 3.2 ´ 109W

9.5 ´ 109W 7.7 ´ 10

9

W

8.3 ´ 109W 7.0 ´ 109W

Area of Spread mm2(in2)

Application Notes

Availability:

Kester 285 is available in a wide variety of alloys, wire diameters and flux percentages. For most applications,
Sn63Pb37 or Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 is used. Consult the alloy temperature chart in Kester’s product catalog
for a comprehensive alloy list. The standard wire diameter for most applications is 1.00mm (0.031in). Wire
diameters range from 0.25 - 6.00mm (0.010 to 0.250in). A "Standard Wire Diameters" chart is included in
Kester’s product catalog. The amount of flux in the wire dictates the ease of soldering for an application.
For most applications, core 66 (3.3% flux by weight) is recommended. Other core sizes, 50 and 58, (1.1%
and 2.2% respectively) are available. Kester 285 is packaged on spools of different sizes to accommodate
a variety of applications.

Process Considerations:

Solder iron tip temperatures are most commonly between 315-371°C (600-700°F) for Sn63Pb37 and
Sn62Pb36Ag02 alloys and 371-427°C (700-800°F) for lead-free alloys. Heat both the land area and component
lead to be soldered with the iron prior to adding Kester 285 cored wire. Apply 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 and 186­18 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux may be used as a compatible liquid flux to aid in reworking soldered joints.
Kester 186 and 186-18 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux are also available in Flux-Pens
liness.

Cleaning:

Kester 285 flux residues are non-corrosive, non-conductive and do not require removal in most applications.

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for optimum board clean-

Storage, Handling, and Shelf Life:

Storage must be in a dry, non-corrosive environment. The surface may lose its shine and appear a dull
shade of grey. This is a surface phenomena and is not detrimental to product functionality. Flux cored solder
wire has a limited shelf life determined by the alloy used in the wire. For alloys containing > 70% lead, the
shelf life is two years from date of manufacture. Other alloys have a shelf life of three years from date of
manufacture.

Health & Safety:

This product, during handling or use, may be hazardous to health or the environment. Read the Material
Safety Data Sheet and warning label before using this product.