BuddytheReow
Breadboard Baker
Other than aesthetics, is there a more practical reason why we should do this even if the circuit works fine?
I've heard it can become corrosiveOther than aesthetics, is there a more practical reason why we should do this even if the circuit works fine?
CAN be? On what, the board or the components?I've heard it can become corrosive
Both....I've heard. I think I heard it from Psionic on YouTube but I can't be sure at this point. So much floating around up there it's all a mess.CAN be? On what, the board or the components?
There is a flux core in most solderI think flux residue can oxidize with time, turn into some brownish rusty aeras on the pcb, maybe able to create shorts, and damage the pcb traces.
The oxidization process can be a critical issue after decades or only a few years, depending on how much care we give to the circuit, like where is it stored, etc.
Might also vary according to the flux brands and qualities.
I'd say that cleaning is the kind of details that will help maintaining the pcb in good shape, and increase the circuit's lifetime.
Never did it, though it's certainly something that I should consider for all my builds someday.
I don't use flux, but I suspect there is always a bit of flux on most pcb, as finish treatment for a smoother soldering process ?
this!! all the time.It can trap conductive material and dust causing bridges. And it is ugly.
Interesting. All of my vero builds I haven't cleaned any flux off. I only run an iron down the tracks for potential solder bridges. I think time will tell if they somehow stop working. They're only a few years old.this!! all the time.
at least for my veroboard builds, thoroughly cleaning off any residue vs. not, makes a big difference to its success.
This is really interesting!Check your solder's datasheet. Some are no-clean and cleaning is either optional or impossible based on the type and others require cleaning like Kester 331, which should be rinsed within 48 hours.
I'm not sure I use that exact solder, but I use Kester no-clean, and I never had much luck with IPA (which seems to be most people's goto), and maybe this is why. I usually use some version of WD40 contact cleaner (nothing like normal WD40) with a toothbrush and paper towel and it works great.This is really interesting!
Here is an excerpt from the solder I use "44" flux datasheet.
For Kester 63/37 24-6337-0027
it is ugly.