Flux LTI-120. Soldering flux

In work with various electronic or radio components, both specialists and amateurs use a special mixture - soldering flux. Its composition can be very different. Solder flux today as a product is presented in a wide range: in the form of powder, paste or liquid. The composition of the substance can be organic and inorganic. The LTI-120 flux is very popular among consumers.

What is a substance?

During the soldering work, the parts can oxidize when heated. As a result of the formation of an oxide film on their surfaces, such parts are poorly wetted with solder. In order to dissolve this film and promote soldering, special substances are used, which are called solder fluxes.

Flux LTI-120 is a liquid of dark color. For transportation and storage of this substance, special bottles, jerricans or bottles are provided. LTI-120 belongs to corrosive, low-temperature, activated flux groups. Sometimes in the composition in a small amount may be present colloidal formations.

Who is the manufacturer?

This flux is delivered to the market from various manufacturers. But the substance is always labeled the same: LTI-120. It was developed by the employees of the Leningrad Technological Institute.

Purpose

LTI-120 is used in the following cases:

• When it is necessary to remove the oxide film from the surface of the workpiece.
• When it is required to prevent the oxidation of metal or solder during operation.
• If necessary, reduce the surface tension in the molten solder.

Main technical characteristics

• LTI-120 has a temperature interval of 160-350 degrees.
• The greatest activity of the substance is observed at a temperature of 250 to 300 degrees.
• The substance does not dissolve in water, so it is not washed off from the surfaces. Since this flux is considered neutral, it is not necessary to remove its residues after work. If desired, you can do this only with acetone or alcohol. According to some masters, vodka can also be used for this purpose.
• The flux interacts well with both soft tin-lead and silver solders.
• When working with this soldering flux, it is not necessary to ventilate the room.

What materials can interact with?

LTI-120 is recommended for soldering parts, which are manufactured using the following materials:

• stainless steel;
• zinc;
• nichrome;
• lead;
• cadmium;
• palladium;
• Copper, as well as its alloys.

Often, this flux is also used for soldering silver products.

Composition

LTI-120 consists of the following chemical elements:

• Pine rosin grade "A" (25%).
• Triethylamine (2%).
• Hydrochloric acid diethylamine (3 to 5%).
• Ethyl alcohol (90-95%).

The composition of LTI-120 is uncomplicated. If this soldering flux is not available on the counter, you can do it yourself. This is often practiced by many craftsmen, making flux from the corresponding components.

How does the tool work?

With the help of this substance, you can both solder the wires and work with cards. Due to its liquid consistency, the flux is not very convenient to use at the beginning of soldering, as it is spread on a thin layer and dries very quickly. To fix this, before you wire wires or boards, you need to give the flux a little to stay. To do this, a small dose of the substance for a while pour into a separate container (this may be a lid from the bottle). This procedure is recommended to be performed a few days before soldering. During this time the flux should dry a little and thicken. Before soldering boards or other electrical and radio components, you should check the condition of the substance. It should resemble liquid honey. In this consistency LTI-120 is convenient to apply with the help of an acute toothpick on the necessary surfaces. In the event that the soldering flux has become very hardened, it can be slightly diluted with a small amount of alcohol or a new portion of the same LTI-120. When working with printed circuit boards, it is important to ensure that when tinning their tracks, there is no overheating. Otherwise, these tracks may fall away. It is easy enough to smear them with LTI-120, and then pass along each end of the soldering iron with a small amount of solder. This will ensure a high-quality tinning of the tracks and give an almost mirror-like surface.

When soldering wires, tinning, according to experts, is best done for each wire separately. If the wire is soldered to the printed circuit board, it is recommended to make a small hole in it. Only after this, it is possible to start the tinned wire from the back side of the printed circuit board and start the soldering process. Such a method will ensure reliable fastening: when the jerk is strong, the track does not come off.

As many manufacturers assure, these soldering fluxes are inactive and do not need to be washed away. But judging by the numerous reviews, some masters and radio amateurs are still confused by the presence of additives, and after the end of the work they prefer to wash away the remnants of the fluxes. This is done with the help of wide brushes, which are pre-wetted with alcohol. Some use conventional brushes and a lot of tap water. On the assurances of such masters, there is nothing wrong with the fact that the ready-made board is wetted with water. The main thing - then carefully dry it.

Using this soldering flux, one should not forget that this is a chemical and working with it requires compliance with safety rules. During tinning, care should be taken to protect the gastric mucosa and eye. The work is carried out using a brush, which is attached to the kit LTI-120. In case the soldering flux has got on the skin, the affected areas should be washed with a large amount of water using soap.

Cost

One of the advantages of this soldering flux is its low price. Mostly these liquids are sold in special vials, designed for 30 ml, or small bottles of 20 ml.

Each of them is completed with a single brush. In such containers, the flux LTI-120 costs up to 50 rubles. For industrial enterprises, there are capacities for more - half-liter bottles are used. Depending on the manufacturer, the cost of this capacity ranges from 300 to 500 rubles.

Features of storage

Soldering LTI-120 refers to fire and explosive substances. In this regard, store it is recommended especially carefully. It is desirable that this place was hermetically sealed dishes. The container with this substance can not be placed under direct sunlight or near open sources of fire. Despite the fact that soldering flux is considered neutral, some owners still recommend the room in which the solder was made, after the work is completed, ventilate.

Opinions of consumers about LTI-120

Feedback on the flux of this brand is mostly positive. The substance has the following advantages:

• Availability in the kit for LTI-120 special small brush. According to numerous reviews of consumers, it is very convenient to work with such a brush.

• The flux does not possess electrical conductivity.
• LTI-120 is ideal for tinning wires, printed circuit boards and other electronic components.
• The substance does not require mandatory removal after work.
• Sold in small hermetic bottles of 20 ml. This, according to the masters, is very convenient, since this capacity does not take up much space in the tool box, and a small amount of liquid is enough for a long time.
• Low price.

Flux Lux

A very popular among professionals and fans of radio electronics uses the modification of LTI-120: flux Lux. This substance also has very high performance characteristics. The only thing that distinguishes the new flux from the basic LTI-120 is that it does not dry up so quickly. This is due to the presence of water in its base. In LTI-120 Lux there are no volatile solvents and ethyl alcohol. Otherwise, the modified solder flux consists of the same components as the base version. LTI-120 Lux is used not only for soldering. It is highly appreciated by consumers as an effective tool for cleaning parts surfaces from dirt. Compared to LTI-120, a new version of the flux is not so dangerous. Some consumers even wash their hands. A distinctive feature when using Lux is the hiss and the formation of steam after applying to the surface of the part.

Conclusion

The soldering flux LTI-120 and its modification are manufactured by various manufacturers. Today, there are many counterfeits of this substance on the market. To buy real and high-quality products, it is enough to smell such a flux. For counterfeiting is characterized by a sharp and very strong smell, reminiscent of ammonia. This LTI-120, according to experts, has a pleasant smell.