Solder Paste Storage Questions
Should I refrigerate solder paste?
A: Yes, Indeed. To keep its viscosity and performance and extend its usable life. Refrigerating solder paste (typically between 0°C–10°C or 32°F–50°F) slows down flux drying and separation.
Can solder paste be re-refrigerated after use or opened?
A: For strictly quality, it is not recommended.
But we have the solution for it. Choose our Intelligent Solder Paste storage cabinet, supports 2 or 3 times back stored and priority use
Can solder paste be frozen?
A: Not recommended. Extreme cold can cause the paste’s activators to precipitate, reducing wetting and performance.
How should opened solder paste syringes or cartridges be stored?
A: Store them at room temperature and sealed to the Solder Paste Syringes FIFO Rack or shelf
What is the best refrigerator for storing solder paste?
A: Small Quantity(20-96 jars): Use a dedicated solder paste FIFO rack or shelf in the refrigerator with precise temperature control (0-10°C)
Large Quantity(150-300 jars): Buy an Intelligent Solder Paste storage cabinet.
What is the impact of humidity on solder paste quality during storage?
A: High humidity is not good. Solder paste is hygroscopic; too high humidity can dilute the flux or cause premature drying.
Manufacturers recommend storing paste place can be controlled, low humidity (typically below 60%) to maintain optimal performance.
Are there specialized solder paste storage cabinets?
A: Yes. We FS have. Please take a look Solder Paste Storage
Are there different storage recommendations for lead-free versus leaded paste?
A: Yes, it’s different.
Lead-free solder pastes are more sensitive to temperature and environmental conditions, sometimes with shorter shelf lives.
Leaded solder paste is more tolerant of slight Temp change than lead-free solder pastes.
Please refer to the specific manufacturer’s guidelines
How to choose a solder paste storage fridge?
A: 1. You should evaluate the QTY capacity you need to store.
2. Choose a solder paste FIFO rack or shelf
3. According to the size of the solder paste FIFO rack to buy fridge.
What type of container or packaging is optimal for storing solder paste?
A: Professional storage container for solder paste
Does refrigeration affect the quality of solder paste?
A: Improper storage (e.g., too warm or too cold) can cause flux separation, drying, or oxidation.
How to check if refrigerated solder paste is still good?
A: Assess the Condition： Check for signs of changeability, such as clumping, discoloration, or hardening.
Re-Homogenize Gently: Gently stir for 1-3 minutes or knead the paste with a clean, chemically resistant spatula.
Testing before use: Before proceeding with a full production run, test the re-homogenized paste on a small sample board to ensure it prints and reflows properly.
What are the effects of improper storage (e.g., room temperature or fluctuating conditions) on solder paste performance?
A: Improper storage can cause degradation. it may dry out, exhibit flux separation, and show inconsistent viscosity. This will lead to PCB printing defects and unreliable solder joints.
What happens if solder paste is not stored properly?
A: Dry out, flux separation, and inconsistent viscosity.
What should be done if the paste shows signs of flux separation or drying?
A: Gently re-homogenize. Abandon if the separation or drying is significant.
If you notice minor flux separation, gently stirring the paste with a clean tool may restore uniformity.
How to manage solder paste inventory efficiently?
A: Buy a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system to use older solder paste first. Whatever FIFO rack or intelligent storage cabinet
What is the shelf life of solder paste when stored in the refrigerator?
A: Track shelf life (typically 6 months to 1 year when refrigerated) and avoid Poka-Yoke(Error prevent) overstocking.
How to avoid waste when storing solder paste?
A: Use MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to monitor inventory and usage in real time. Our Intelligent Solder Paste Storage cabinet can achieve
How do temperature fluctuations during shipping affect paste quality?
A: Temperature fluctuations may cause condensation, which can lead to flux separation or premature drying.
using ice packs or dry ice as recommended to prevent and with minimized transit times to protect its quality.
How to integrate solder paste storage with MES systems?
A: You need one intelligent Solder Paste FIFO Storage cabinet.
Can MES track solder paste storage and usage?
A: Yes, it can.
What are the benefits of MES for solder paste management?
A: A: Use MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) to monitor inventory and usage in real time.
Machine Model SM-SP200-SP: Information trace, Data report, Inventory alert, MES system
Are there safety guidelines for storing solder paste?
A: Follow OSHA guidelines for chemical storage and handling.
What are the OSHA regulations for solder paste storage?
A: Store solder paste in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
How to handle expired solder paste safely?
A: Handel expired solder paste according to local environmental regulations.
Why does solder paste dry out in the fridge?
A: Temperature fluctuations or unsealing well.
How to prevent solder paste from separating during storage?
A: Stir the solder paste thoroughly before use to remix the flux and alloy.
What to do if solder paste is exposed to air during storage?
A: Assess the Condition： Check for signs of changeability, such as clumping, discoloration, or hardening.
Re-Homogenize Gently: Gently stir for 1-3 minutes or knead the paste with a clean, chemically resistant spatula.
Testing before use: Before proceeding with a full production run, test the re-homogenized paste on a small sample board to ensure it prints and reflows properly.
Prevent Future Exposure: Tightly sealed containers and in FIFO system.
