Monthly Archive 07/16/2024

Soft soldering is one of the most commonly used bonding techniques in both the assembly of electrotechnical and electronic components and the installation of copper pipes. An essential process component is flux, such as Kagerflux Type 330 from Kager. With its help, it prevents the formation of an oxidation layer on the treated surfaces, which would significantly impair the quality of the connection in terms of its technical properties.

Soft soldering is considered one of the preferred methods for permanently bonding metallic parts made of copper, zinc, brass, or even steel. This connection is made at temperatures of up to 450°C using a low-melting alloy – the solder. The surfaces of the treated parts remain in a solid state. The solder is usually a wire or paste enriched with flux. The flux’s task is to remove surface films and oxide layers and prevent their reformation. Thus, the flux makes a central contribution to ensuring the connection’s quality. Only when the metal surfaces are clean and free of oxides or dirt particles can the molten solder flow optimally, creating a flawless, stable, tight, and electrically conductive connection. This also ensures that even parts made of different materials can be “united” by soft soldering – a major advantage of this process.

Pleasant Smell and Water-Soluble

Kagerflux Type 330 from the product portfolio of the German trading and consulting company Kager is precisely tailored to the specific requirements of soft soldering. It is a resin-free, salmon-colored, aqueous solution with a 50 percent amino acid hydrochloride content. It behaves chemically neutral, is non-corrosive, non-flammable, and non-hygroscopic. In practical use, it does not develop toxic or foul-smelling fumes. On the contrary, Kagerflux Type 330 emits a rather pleasant scent. At 20°C, the flux is fully water-soluble.

Remove Residues

Kagerflux Type 330 is designed for soft soldering parts made of non-ferrous metals and steel, but it is not suitable for lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium. If flux residues are visible at the connection point after soldering, they should be removed as they can have a corrosive effect. In practical use in the workshop or assembly, the relevant application recommendations apply: Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes, keep the flux away from food, and dispose of it properly according to legal regulations after the expiration date.