SOLDER MASKING

Temporary solder masking agents are a valuable aid in preventing solder from flowing into designated areas of a pcb during the wave soldering process. They are also used quite a bit in masking during a conformal coating process. These masking agents come in various colors, container sizes as well as ammoniated or non-ammoniated. The ammoniated masking agents are made of natural latex rubber. The ammonia acts as a protectant as well as a stabilizer. Non-ammoniated masking agents are not made from natural latex they are acrylic. When dealing with masking bare copper and other sensitive metals it is recommended to use Non-ammoniated. Natural latex has sulphur in it’s chemistry and sulphur is what can cause color changes in sensitive metals. There is very little ammonia in the ammoniated material and the product is considered non-hazardous. It is recommended that when disposing temporary solder masking agents they be in a cured state. These masking agents are biodegradable. Curing times are based on the amount of product dispensed (thickness) as well as the temperature and humidity. Increasing temperature will shorten the curing time. Solder masking agents should not be subjected to temperatures of 500° or higher for longer than a few seconds. Please refer to the manufacturers technical data sheets for further information.