Kester 88 Data Sheet
®
88
88
Activated Rosin
Activated Rosin
Cored W
Cored W
ire
ire
For Lead-bearing and Lead-free alloys
For Lead-bearing and Lead-free alloys
Product Description
Kester 88 activated rosin flux for cored solder
consists of high quality Grade WW rosin to which
has been added an extremely ef fective activating
agent. This rosin flux formulation is similar to the
popular Kester 44 which has been the standard of
the electronics industry for decades. The degree
of activity has been increased, however, to be able
to provide better fluxing action in those cases
where Kester 44 flux will not wet met al surfaces
which are excessively oxidized. Kester 88 flux
core is classified as ROM1 per J-STD-004.
Kester 88 activated rosin flux is used for
applications where organic flux residue is too
corrosive and conductive and a more active flux
than normal activated rosin flux is required. Kester
88 flux is recommended for difficult-to-solder metals
such as nickel or for metals with excessive oxides.
Performance Characteristics:
• High activity RA formulation
• Solderability on nickel and other difficult-tosolder metallizations
• Comp atible with leaded and lead-free alloys
• Classified as ROM1 per J-STD-004
RoHS Compliance
This product meets the requirements of the RoHS
(Restriction of Hazardous Subst ances) Directive,
2002/95/EC Article 4 for the st ated banned
substances. (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
Corrosion Test: Moderate
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: 0.88%
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
Application Notes
Availability:
Kester 88 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 cat alog
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 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 88 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 88 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 1544 Activated
Rosin Flux may be used as a comp atible liquid flux to aid in reworking soldered joint s.
Cleaning:
Kester 88 flux residues are non-corrosive, non-conductive, and do not require removal in most applications.
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.
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