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TECHNICAL DATA SHEET 331 Flux-Cored Wire Organic Cored Wire for Lead-free and Leaded Alloys Product Description Kester 331 Flux-Cored Wire is a water soluble formula for use in flux-cored solder wire. This cored solder version of Kester’s popular 2331-ZX Soldering Flux is more effective than rosin fluxes in soldering difficult metals. The same fast action and mild properties are exhibited with 331 Organic Flux as with the liquid 2331-ZX. The flux is more heat stable than most organic fluxes, resulting in minimal smoke and odor. The residue can be completely removed with a simple heated water rinse. Deionized water is suggested to prevent introduction of chemistries from unknown water sources. Performance Characteristics:  Excellent solderability to a wide variety of metallizations  Easy removal in hot DI water  Compatible with leaded and lead-free alloys  Classified as ORH1 per J-STD-004 RoHS Compliance Kester does not determine any applicable Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) exemptions for our lead containing products at the user level. (Applies only if this core flux is combined with a lead-free alloy.) Reliability Properties Copper Mirror Corrosion: High Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.32 Corrosion Test: High 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: 1.2% Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35 331 Flux-Cored Wire Technical Data Sheet Issue: 17 May 2021 Page 1 of 3 TECHNICAL DATA SHEET Fluorides by Spot Test: Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35.1 Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR) (typical): Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.3.3 Blank 331 10 2.0*10 Ω 10 7.8*10 Ω 10 4.1*10 Ω Day 1 1.9*10 Ω Day 4 2.2*10 Ω Day 7 1.7*10 Ω 9 9 9 Availability 331 is available in a wide variety of alloys, wire diameters and flux percentages. The most common alloys are Sn63Pb37, Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 and K100LD. Please refer to https://www.kester.com for wire diameters, flux percentages and roll sizes that are available. Note: Core size 50, 58 and 66 = 1.1%, 2.2% and 3.3% flux core. Process Considerations Solder iron tip temperatures are most commonly between 315 to 343 °C (600 to 650 °F) for Sn63Pb37 and Sn62Pb36Ag02 alloys, and 371 to 400 °C (700 to 750 °F) for lead-free alloys. Heat both the land area and component lead to be soldered with the iron prior to touching the land with the cored wire. Do not apply the wire directly to the soldering iron tip. If needed, Kester 2331-ZX organic flux may be used as a compatible liquid flux to aid in reworking soldered joints. 2331-ZX is available in as a Flux-Pen®. Cleaning The 331 flux residue is conductive and will cause corrosion of metal parts over time. Residue removal should be completed within 48 hours. 331 Organic Flux has the advantage over many competitive water soluble flux formulations in that the residue is easily and completely removed with plain hot water (120 to 140 °F). Softened tap water or deionized water is recommended for high reliability. Use of hard or high mineral content tap water will increase ionic cleanliness measurements. 331 Flux-Cored Wire Technical Data Sheet Issue: 17 May 2021 Page 2 of 3 TECHNICAL DATA SHEET Recycling Services We provide safe and efficient recycling services to help companies meet their environmental and legislative requirements and at the same time, maximize the value of their waste streams. Our service collects solder dross, solder scrap, and various forms of solder paste waste. Please contact your local sales representative for recycling capabilities in your area or link here. Storage, Handling and Shelf Life Storage must be in a dry, non-corrosive environment between 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F). The surface may lose its shine and appear a dull shade of grey. This is a surface phenomenon and is not detrimental to product functionality. Flux-cored solder wire has a shelf life determined by the alloy used in the wire. For alloys containing more than 70% lead, the shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture. Other alloys have a shelf life of 3 years from the date of manufacture. Health and Safety This product, during handling or use, may be hazardous to your health or the environment. Read the Safety Data Sheet and warning label before using this product. Safety Data Sheets are available at this link. Contact Information To confirm this document is the most recent version, please contact Assembly@MacDermidAlpha.com North America 109 Corporate Blvd. South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA 1.800.253.7837 Europe Unit 2, Genesis Business Park Albert Drive Woking, Surrey, GU21 5RW, UK 44.01483.758400 Asia Pacific 8/F., Paul Y. Centre 51 Hung To Road Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong 852.3190.3100 Also read carefully warning and safety information on the Safety Data Sheet. This data sheet contains technical information required for safe and economical operation of this product. READ IT THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO PRODUCT USE. Emergency safety directory assistance: US 1 202 464 2554, Europe + 44 1235 239 670, Asia + 65 3158 1074, Brazil 0800 707 7022 and 0800 172 020, Mexico 01800 002 1400 and (55) 5559 1588 DISCLAIMER: All statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are based on tests we believe to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed. No statement or recommendation shall constitute a representation unless set forth in an agreement signed by officers of seller and manufacturer. NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY IS MADE. The following warranty is made in lieu of such warranties and all other warranties, express, implied, or statutory. Products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship at the time sold. The sole obligation of seller and manufacturer under this warranty shall be to replace any noncompliant product at the time sold. Under no circumstances shall manufacturer or seller be liable for any loss, damage or expense, direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, arising out of the inability to use the product. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if products are supplied in response to a customer request that specifies operating parameters beyond those stated above, or if products are used under conditions exceeding said parameters, the customer by acceptance or use thereof assumes all risk of product failure and of all direct, indirect, incidental and consequential damages that may result from use of the products under such conditions, and agrees to exonerate, indemnify, defend and hold harmless MacDermid, Incorporated and its affiliates therefrom. No suggestion for product use nor anything contained herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use any product in a manner that infringes any patent or other intellectual property rights, and seller and manufacturer assume no responsibility or liability for any such infringement. © 2019 MacDermid, Inc. and its group of companies. All rights reserved. “(R)” and “TM” are registered trademarks of MacDermid, Inc. and its group of companies in the United States and/or other countries. 331 Flux-Cored Wire Technical Data Sheet Issue: 17 May 2021 Page 3 of 3