J-STD-004B:

A New Twist on an Old Standard

Ales Sedlak
 Outline/Agenda

Introduction
How Are Flux Properties Established
How Are SIR Values Tested
What Has Changed
Things You Should Know
Conclusion
Q &A
 Introduction

Solder flux used in electronics

production have been a constant
evolution
Since the earliest electronics
assemblies rosin has been a
component of electronic soldering
fluxes
 How Are Flux Properties
Established?

J-Std-004 and now J-Std-004B

Updated in 2008
Manufacturer compliance is voluntary
Many new products still refer to the -004A
standard
 Letter Designators

Flux Composition
RO - ROsin
RE - REsin
OR - ORganic
IN - INorganic
Flux Residue Activity
Levels
Understand the Subtle Differences
Between Rosin and Resin
The terms are often used interchangeably, but rosin is a
naturally occurring substance, and resin is either a
modified rosin or completely synthetic material.

Rosins are tree products and are subject to more natural

variation than resins; resins are commonly used in newer
flux formulations due to their more consistent
performance and tailored properties

When more than one rosin/resin are combined, the IPC

classification is based on the larger constituent.
Therefore, if the distinction between RO and RE is
important to the user, they should inquire with the flux’s
manufacturer to better understand the exact details of the
content and classification criteria.
How Are Flux Properties
Established?
How Are (S)urface (I)nsulation
(R)esistance (SIR) Values
Tested?
Effect of Ionic Compounds
Dendrite Formation
B-24 Coupon Corrosion
ACID A ACID B ACID C

ACID D ACID E
 J-Std-004 v -004B
What has Changed?
 J-Std-004 v -004B
What has Changed?
 J-Std-004 v -004B
What has Changed?
 J-Std-004 v -004B
Comparing SIR Results
J-Std-004B J-Std-004
IPC 2.6.3.7 IPC 2.6.3.3
 IPC Designation

IPC-TM-650 method 2.3.28.1 for halide

Determined halogen/halides are back

calculated to the solids content of the flux
Chromatography Data for Liquid
Flux
Chromatography Data for Liquid
Flux

Low solids fluxes are hyper sensitized by

having a low solids content

This causes many liquid fluxes to be

classified as L1 although they are truly not
Things You Should Know
Know The Relationship Between
Halides and Halogens

Halides are ionic compounds typically used as activators

and are often associated with corrosion. Specification of
testing methods and thresholds for halide content are
addressed by IPC J-Std.-004/004B

Non-ionic halogenated compounds, or halogens, are the

subject to REACH regulations. Specification of testing
methods and thresholds for halogen content are addressed
by European Environmental Standards - EN-14582.
THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION –
NOT A RELIABILITY SPECIFICATION.
 Halogens in Paste

Halogen vs. Halide

When a halogen takes one electron, it becomes a

halide

Br + e  Br-

This causes the halogen to become a halide and is

very reactive
 List of Halogens

(F) Fluorine
(Cl) Chlorine
(Br) Bromine
(I) Iodine
(At) Astatine
 Why Halogens?

These compounds are effective fluxing

agents therefore less activation from
organic acids is required in a flux formula

Halogen compounds are thermally stable

providing longer exposure time and a
bigger process window

They are cost effective and can be easily

incorporated to flux chemistry
 Halogens

Are Neutral in charge – non-ionic

Enhance soldering when used in flux

The most common use is in fire retardants

for PCB laminate and in this capacity are
the subject of REACH regulation
 Halides

Ionic, hydrophilic and can create

conductive pathways

Typically used in strong organic acid or

inorganic acid flux

Used for etching in circuit board assembly

 What Classification is Your
Flux Today?

Fluxes older than 2008 are exempt from the

new regulations and do not have to meet the
specification of -004B
When trying to replace them do not compare J-
Std.-004 designators – they are not equal.

A flux classified as ORL0 under -004 is very

possibly an ORL1 under -004B

J-Std.-004A flux can contain much more

halide as a -004B flux and still be considered
‘halide-free’.
 Applying the Changes in Flux
Designators to Your Process

Does your flux choice suit your application process

requirements
This is especially critical in liquid flux
Liquid flux is typically designed for wave
soldering
Specific fluxes should be used in consideration of
the application method.
 Liquid Flux Processing

What About:
Selective
Rework
Wave with palletized boards
What If Your Flux Is Not
Properly Heated?
Flux Surface Insulation Resistance

SIR test, the flux is heated

Pre-2008 VOC free flux formulas may not pass the

new SIR 2.6.3.7

Are you running a process that guarantees all liquid

flux is heated?

Flux ‘deactivation’ is time/temperature dependent

 Conclusion

IPC J-STD-004B is a continually evolving

specification
It is important for the Engineer specifying the
materials to understand the requirements for their
product type
IPC J-STD-004B may not always fit all assembly
requirements
Spacing, signal type, board materials and application
methods can all affect the path of material sets
specified
 Q&A

Questions?
Thank You

Revision A