Kester 48 Data Sheet

®

48

48

Activated Rosin Cored W

Activated Rosin Cored W

For Lead-bearing and Lead-free alloys

For Lead-bearing and Lead-free alloys

Product Description

Kester 48 Activated Rosin Flux for cored solder
wire was developed for lead-free applications to
enable soldering of most common metals. Kester
48 has performance characteristics far exceeding
standard RA fluxes. Kester 48 builds on the
performance of it s predecessor Kester 44 with
“instant-action” wetting to provide fast and reliable
solder joints.

Performance Characteristics:

• Unparalleled wetting performance

• Excellent solderability and fast wetting to a
variety of surface finishes

• Eliminates the need and expense of cleaning

• Low smoke and odor

• Low spattering

• Classified as ROM1 per J-STD-004

Kester 48 vs. Kester 44

• Kester 48 provides a higher level of activity
than Kester 44, see Spread Test opposite.

• Kester 48 dramatically reduces splattering
by 50+% over Kester 44.

• Kester 48 residues are transp arent and
nearly colorless compared to the traditional
amber appearance of Kester 44.

• Kester 48 was designed for lead-free alloys.

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)

ire

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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: Fail

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

Chloride and Bromides: 1.05%

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 48

Day 1
Day 4
Day 7

Spread Test (typical):

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

Flux Core Solder
285 Mildly Activated Rosin 213 (0.33) 335 (0.52)
275 No-Clean 219 (0.34) 361 (0.56)
44 Activated Rosin 220 (0.34) 342 (0.53)
48 Activated Rosin 245 (0.38) 419 (0.65)

1.6 ×1010Ω 1.1 × 1010Ω

1.2 ×1010Ω 9.2 × 10

9

Ω

1.1 ×1010Ω 8.6 × 109Ω

Area of Spread mm2(in2)

Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 Sn63Pb37

Application Notes

Availability:

Kester 48 is available in a wide variety of alloys, wire diameters and flux percentages. For most applications,
Sn63Pb37or Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 is used. Consult the alloy temperature chart in Kester’s product catalog for
a comprehensive alloy list. The st andard 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 also is also
included in Kester’s product cat alog. The amount of flux in the wire dict ates 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 48 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 48 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, 186-18 or
1544 activated flux may be used as a compatible liquid flux to aid in reworking soldered joint s.

Cleaning:

The 48 residues are non-conductive, non-corrosive and do not require removal in most applications. The
flux residues are comparable to a conventional RA.

Storage, Handling, and Shelf Life:

Storage must be in a dry , non-corrosive environment. The surface may lose it s 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 cont aining > 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.