® Technical Data Sheet 285 Flux-Cored Wire Mildly Activated Rosin Cored Wire for Leaded and Lead-free Alloys Product Description Kester 285 mildly activated rosin flux is classified as Type ROL0 flux under IPC J-STD-004. This flux was formerly classified as Type RMA per QQ-S-571. 285 consists of high quality, purified rosin to which a synergistic combination of activating agents has been incorporated. The fluxing ability of 285 is much greater than ordinary mildly activated rosin fluxes and is comparable to fully activated rosin fluxes. 285 has been developed for use in the electronic industry where difficult assemblies are to be soldered, but process requirements stipulate use of a mildly activated rosin flux. Performance Characteristics: ■ Industry standard RMA cored wire ■ Compatible with leaded and ■ Classified as ROL0 per J-STD-004 lead-free alloys RoHS Compliance This product meets the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, 2011/65/EU for the stated banned substances. (Applies only if this core flux is combined with a lead-free alloy) Reliability Properties Copper Mirror Corrosion: Low Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR): Spread Test (typical): Pass Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Tested to J-STD-004B, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.32 2.6.3.7 2.4.46 Area of Spread mm2 (in2) Corrosion Test: Low SIR, IPC (typical): Pass Flux Core Solder Cu Ni Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 285 335 (0.52) 140 (0.22) 2.6.15 2.6.3.3 282 240 (0.37) 100 (0.16) Silver Chromate: Pass Blank 285 44 280 (0.43) 160 (0.25) Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method Day 1 1.0*1010 Ω 3.2*109 Ω 2.3.33 Day 4 9.5*109 Ω 7.7*109 Ω Chloride and Bromides: None Day 7 8.3*109 Ω 7.0*109 Ω Detected Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35 Fluorides by Spot Test: Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35.1 Global Headquarters: 800 West Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, IL USA 60143 ■ Phone: +1 800.2.KESTER ■ Fax: +1 630.616.4044 Asia-Pacific Headquarters: 61 Ubi Avenue 1 #06-01 UB Point, Singapore 408941 ■ Phone: +65 6.449.1133 ■ Fax: +65 6.242.9036 European Headquarters: Ganghofer Strasse 45, 82216 Gernlinden, Germany ■ Phone: +49 (0) 8142 4785 0 ■ Fax: +49 (0) 8142 4785 61 Asia Manufacturing: Hengqiao Road, Wujiang Economic Development Zone ■ Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China 215200 ■ Phone: +86 512.82060807 ■ Fax: +86 512.8206 0808 ■ Website: www.kester.com ■

® Application Notes Availability 285 is available in a wide variety of alloys, wire diameters and flux percentages. For most applications, Sn63Pb37 or Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 is used. Consult Kester’s website for the comprehensive alloy list and for standard wire diameters. The standard wire diameter for most applications is 0.8mm (0.031”). Wire diameters range from 0.25-6.00mm (0.010-0.250in). The amount of flux in the wire dictates the ease of soldering for an application. 285 is packaged on spools of different sizes to accommodate a variety of applications. 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 315-371°C (600-700°F) for Sn63Pb37 and Sn62Pb36Ag02 alloys and 371-427°C (700-800°F) for lead-free alloys. Heat both the land area and component lead to be soldered with the iron prior to adding 285 cored wire. Apply the solder wire to the land area or component lead. Do not apply the wire directly to the soldering iron tip. If needed, Kester 186 and 186-18 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux may be used as a compatible liquid flux to aid in reworking soldered joints. Kester 186 Mildly Activated Rosin Flux is also available as a Flux-Pen® for optimum board cleanliness. Cleaning 285 flux residues are non-corrosive, non-conductive and do not require removal in most applications. Storage and Warranty Period Storage must be in a dry, non-corrosive environment between 10-40°C (50-104°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 limited warranty period determined by the alloy used in the wire. For alloys containing more than 70% lead, the warranty period is 2 years from the date of manufacture. Other alloys have a warranty period 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 (SDS) and warning label before using this product. Global Headquarters: 800 West Thorndale Avenue, Itasca, IL USA 60143 ■ Phone: +1 800.2.KESTER ■ Fax: +1 630.616.4044 Asia-Pacific Headquarters: 61 Ubi Avenue 1 #06-01 UB Point, Singapore 408941 ■ Phone: +65 6.449.1133 ■ Fax: +65 6.242.9036 European Headquarters: Ganghofer Strasse 45, 82216 Gernlinden, Germany ■ Phone: +49 (0) 8142 4785 0 ■ Fax: +49 (0) 8142 4785 61 Asia Manufacturing: Hengqiao Road, Wujiang Economic Development Zone ■ Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China 215200 ■ Phone: +86 512.82060807 ■ Fax: +86 512.8206 0808 ■ Website: www.kester.com ■