Knowledge centre
Knowledge
Clear guidance on alloy selection, solder paste defects, pot maintenance and wire selection — with decision tables and shop-floor steps engineers can use immediately.
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From selection to troubleshooting
Based on STAR.I product data, industry standards and common process issues. Confirm parameters against the product TDS, equipment and reliability validation.
Excess Dross in Lead-Free Wave Soldering: Causes and Control
Analyse dross in lead-free wave soldering: pot temperature, flux, alloy, impurities, equipment and operation, plus high-antioxidant and high-temperature bar selection.
How to Choose a Flux: R vs RMA vs RA, No-Clean and Water-Soluble
Choose flux by activity level, cleaning method, solids content and process fit for wave, hand and SMT soldering, with key indicators, common mistakes and a validation checklist.
Solder Wire Selection: Diameter, Flux Type and Core Count
Choose solder wire by alloy, flux type, single/three-core construction and diameter. Includes 0.3–1.2 mm diameter guidance and practical hand-soldering recommendations.
Solder Bar & Pot Maintenance: Pure Tin Addition and Dross Control
Why tin content drops in a solder pot, how to calculate pure tin additions with T = W × (A − B) ÷ (100 − A), and how to control dross with high-antioxidant and high-temperature solder bars.
Solder Paste Printing & Reflow Defects: Causes and Solutions
Troubleshooting guide for solder paste defects: incomplete release, slumping, solder balls, bridging, tombstoning, insufficient solder, voids and dull joints.
How to Choose a Lead-Free Solder Alloy: SAC305 vs Sn-Cu vs Sn-Cu-Ni-Ce
Compare SAC305, Sn-Cu0.7, Sn-Cu-Ni-Ce and low-temperature alloys by process, melting point, wetting, reliability and cost, with selection guidance.
Need product-specific selection advice?
These articles give general methods. Actual selection also depends on PCB finish, component limits, capacity and reliability requirements. Send us your process details.
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The product centre covers lead-free solder, paste, wire, bars, solder materials and SICAL electronic chemicals.
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Tell us your soldering method, alloy, product form and capacity. STAR.I’s technical team will help narrow the selection and provide samples and technical data.