5560 Solder-Nu Cleaner, 5 Gallons
Kester 5560 Solder-Nu Cleaner is a non-fuming, liquid solution for removing oxides, sulfides, carbonates, and other contamination, such as etch residues, from copper metal surfaces to facilitate soldering. This stable solution cleans by dissolving or solubilizing the contamination for easy removal by water rinsing. The chemical cleaning action is quite different from strong mineral acids, which etch away valuable base metals and passivate the surface by insoluble film formation. 5560 contains a pink pH indicator which turns yellow at pH 3.5, indicating the solution has lost its efficiency. 5560 is a non-foaming chemical for use in spray cleaning equipment. Because the etch rate is controlled, the bath life is very extended. 5560 will selectively remove surface contamination from solder-plated or tin-plated surfaces as well as very tarnished copper surfaces. 5560 is very effective in cleaning silver-plated surfaces with no appreciable metallic etching.
RoHS Compliance
This product meets the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, 2015/863 for the stated banned substances.
Flux Application
The surfaces to be cleaned should be free of oil and grease. 5560 should be used as received in plastic or glass containers at room temperature or hot, 49 to 60 °C (120 to 140 °F). Heating the solution accelerates the rate at which 5560 reacts with contaminants. Parts are immersed for 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on the condition of the surface and then water is rinsed to remove the solubilized contamination. Residual water-insoluble metallic complexes can be removed from an etched surface with minimal etching of the metal. Plating or etching residues can seriously affect the reliability of a soldered connection.
Cleaning
No neutralizers saponify, or detergents are necessary for the water wash system for the complete removal of residues. It is not recommended to use highly mineralized tap water. Otherwise, tap, deionized, or softened water may be used for cleaning.
Storage, Handling, and Shelf Life
Because this formulation is water-based, it is subject to freezing. A minimum storage temperature of 4 °C (40 °F) is recommended. If frozen, the 5560 is easily reconstituted by stirring at room temperature. Shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture when handled properly and held at 4 to 25 °C (40 to 77 °F).