Here you will find all the frequently asked questions and answers that we have put together for you.
The flux must remain sufficiently active throughout the required temperature range of the soldering process. This is particularly important at higher solder bath temperatures and in processes where wire strand coatings are thermally removed during soldering.
Any remaining flux residue must not impair the electrical performance or long-term functionality of the cable connection. Of particular concern are potential corrosion and an excessively low surface electrical resistance (SIR).
The flux must allow for controlled tin plating so that only the specified length of the strand is wetted. At the same time, it must not damage the cable or strand insulation, nor have a corrosive effect on the resulting connection.
The right flux promotes uniform and controlled tinning of the strands and improves wetting with the solder. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that neither flux residue nor flux penetration into the cable or strand insulation compromises the subsequent reliability of the connection.
Prices for isopropanol (IPA) and ethanol are rising due to geopolitical tensions and the resulting disruptions in global oil and gas supply chains. Both substances are directly linked to petrochemical processes. IPA is a byproduct of petroleum refining, while synthetic ethanol is derived from ethylene. In addition, the shift of production to the Asia-Pacific region and the prioritization of domestic markets are further limiting availability. Emil Otto GmbH is responding to this development with water-based fluxes that significantly reduce this dependence.
The switch to water-based fluxes is a strategic decision aimed at reducing risks in the supply chain and stabilizing production costs. By eliminating alcohol-based solvents such as IPA and ethanol, companies can insulate themselves from highly volatile raw material markets. Emil Otto offers a technologically advanced portfolio for this purpose that combines high process reliability, reproducible soldering quality, and economic advantages.
Yes, modern water-based fluxes can serve as equivalent replacements for alcohol-based systems in many processes. With the EO-G-006, EO-G-011, and EO-G-012 series, Emil Otto offers drying-optimized solutions that have been specifically developed for different temperature profiles and process requirements. These fluxes achieve comparable wetting properties, activation performance, and process stability. This makes a nearly complete replacement possible without compromising soldering quality.
Water-based fluxes are formulations that use water as a carrier medium instead of alcoholic solvents such as IPA or ethanol. They contain organic, halogen-free, and resin-free activators that specifically remove oxide layers from metallic surfaces. Emil Otto develops such systems with optimized drying properties that enable uniform wetting, stable soldering processes, and residue-free results.
The key advantage lies in reduced dependence on volatile commodity markets while maintaining consistent process quality.
