"We offer the optimum flux for every area of application in solar cell production. We have therefore not only developed process-specific fluxes for electronics production processes, but have also adopted this concept for the solar industry. We are of the opinion that there is not just one flux for all applications, especially not for highly developed end products. It is precisely here that special fluxes tailored to the system, the process and the finished end product are required. Fluxes that have been on the market for 20 or 30 years no longer meet these modern production and process requirements," explains Markus Geßner, Head of Marketing and Sales at Emil Otto GmbH.
For example, flux is applied by spraying or dipping. Manufacturing systems in solar cell production sometimes have different configurations and specifications and therefore differ from electronics manufacturing systems. For example, the heating systems for preheating, which are not comparable to those used in the electronics industry, do not allow the use of purely water-based fluxes. The consumables used in solar cell production must therefore inevitably be adapted to the respective framework conditions. "The development of a comprehensive flux portfolio is not an end in itself and we are not interested in having a large range of fluxes. Rather, we want to offer the customer the optimum flux for their process," continues Geßner. However, the decisive energy transition in Germany and Europe is also crucial for Emil Otto's product development. "The solar industry is important for Germany as an industrial location. The energy transition in particular presents us with the challenge of massively strengthening and expanding the solar industry in Germany and Europe. Of course, this also requires the best fluxes, which is why we want to make our contribution," emphasizes Geßner.
Ecological responsibility is also a high priority for Geßner and his team. "As far as I know, we are the only manufacturer to offer fluxes with an extremely high water content for the production of solar modules. In some cases, we have been able to significantly reduce the alcohol content in individual products. These are hybrid fluxes with an alcohol content of 75% to 15%. The latter do not fall under the category of hazardous goods, which is probably unique," explains Geßner and continues: "We are the only flux manufacturer to offer such a comprehensive portfolio of partially water-based fluxes with a maximum reduction in alcohol content. We are convinced that sustainable energy generation with solar can only be implemented if we manage to use extremely environmentally friendly consumables that are also not hazardous substances." The hybrid fluxes include EO-S-011, -012, -015 and -017: "As mentioned, these fluxes have a low alcohol content of just 15% in some cases, while the drying properties are comparable to purely alcohol-based fluxes. A technical balancing act that we have achieved with our development work and of which we are very proud," says Geßner.
13 of the 17 fluxes are formulated on an alcohol basis and can be offered as concentrates. These are packaged in reduced volumes and shipped worldwide. As they also do not have to be declared as hazardous goods, transportation costs are reduced. The customer can produce the flux fresh on site. The concentrates generally have a shelf life of 24 months. The ready-mixed fluxes can be used for at least 12 months and in some cases even 24 months. "The customer therefore always has a fresh flux available. In addition, there is no risk of flux shortages on the customer side, as the concentrate can be stored as a back-up for 24 months," continues Geßner. This ready-to-use approach also minimizes the risk of non-functioning supply chains, as the concentrate is available on site at all times due to the optimal storage time. Based on economic sustainability, reduced transport and storage costs and the reduced volume of packaging, Emil Otto is defining a new path and taking the ecological concept of green energy into account.
Emil Otto also offers efficient and gentle cleaning agents for the reliable removal of flux residues in production facilities