FAQs

A: Since PC Flex Mask is a water-based product, we are talking about removing the water from PC Flex Mask. This means the cure time depends on the surrounding temperature, relative humidity, and mask thickness. With a ten mil thickness at 72°F and a relative humidity of 40%, it would take about 40 minutes to cure.

A: Yes, the curing time can be reduced with warm, dry, moving air. In a convection oven at 150°F where all of these conditions exist, you can reduce the drying time by 50%. If an oven is not available, introducing a simple fan to keep the air moving over the PC Flex Mask will decrease the cure time by about 30%.

A: We have found with many years of trial and error that PC Flex Mask will boil in the oven if heated beyond 150°F. Our recommendation is to keep the oven at a maximum of 150°F.

A: The curing process changes the color of PC Flex Mask from a dark color to a lighter color. When you see the change to a light color, the PC Flex Mask is cured.

A: PC Flex Mask was designed to withstand molten solder during the wave solder operation for about five to seven seconds. The temperature of molten solder during is 450° to 515°F. For longer periods, PC Flex Mask will resist a temperature of 220°F for three hours.

A: Yes. We do make a Non-Ammoniated PC Flex Mask that is designed to be applied over copper and other sensitive metal surfaces. Our Regular PC Flex Mask is not formulated to be applied over copper.

A: In an uncured (wet) state, PC Flex Mask should not be exposed to freezing conditions. If PC Flex Mask becomes frozen in storage or transit, it will coagulate and become unusable. In a properly cured and dried state, PC Flex Mask will not be affected by low temperatures.

A: No, PC Flex Mask is not hazardous. It does contain up to two-tenths of one percent of ammonia, but this does not classify it as hazardous.

A: We have distribution in the United States as well as different parts of the world. If a distributor is not convenient to your location, we can ship directly to you.

A: We use a special rubber adhesive on Inspection Arrows, so there is no possibility of a residue left once they are removed.

A: Mini-Drop Flux Dispensers are available with two needle size diameters. For thin fluxes and fluids, the 0.010-inch diameter needle is the best selection. For water-based and other fluids, the 0.020-inch diameter needle works best.

A: Yes! The Mini-Drop Flux Dispenser is available with an outer anti-static sleeve. This covers the Mini-Drop Bottle. We found the design of an anti-static sleeve over the bottle is best. This eliminates the possibility of solvents inside the bottle coming in contact with the anti-static material.

A: The normal paper backed masking tapes will withstand temperatures of about 300°F over a relatively long period (several hours). While this tape is used for solder masking situations, it is not recommended for this application even though the paper (crepe) will only be exposed for five to seven seconds at 500°F. We recommend that you use Kapton Tape for wave solder because it was designed to withstand 600°F.

A: If you have the wrong type of adhesive on the tape and the tape is not rated for the temperature you use it for, the tape will leave a residue. In some situations, the residue may not be easily removed. The Kapton Tapes we sell have been tested and are designed for wave solder masking operations.

A: The static charge created by removing the tape can be very high. This depends on the tape and humidity. Low-Static Kapton Tapes and Dots generate 20 volts at 10% relative humidity and 5 volts at 50% relative humidity. These tests were run with the tape removed at 1 foot per second.

The concept of Stat-Away Lotion is simple. When Stat-Away Lotion is applied to the hands and wrist areas (under the grounding wrist strap), it provides an anti-static surface on the skin that prevents electrostatic buildup. This means the grounding is now extended to the hand and will bleed off any excessive electrons.

A: The temperature of the water should be at least 140°F. At this temperature, the Water-Soluble Mask will totally dissolve in the water cleaning system.