Kester EM808 is a lead-free, organic acid, water-soluble solder paste that provides users with the highest level of consistency and performance. The activator of EM808 has superior wetting OSPl coating and silver plated substrate.

Product Description

Kester EM808 is a lead free, organic acid, water-soluble solder paste that provides users with the highest level of consistency and performance. Batch after batch, EM808 provides hours of stable stencil life, tack time and repeatable brick definition. EM808 robust printing characteristics result in consistent solder paste volume regardless of idle time, stencil life and print speed. The activator package in the EM808 is very aggressive and provides superior wetting to OSP coated and Immersion Silver boards.

Performance Characteristics:

Standard Applications:

Stencil Printing: 88% Metal

Enclosed Head Printing: 88% Metal

RoHS Compliance

This product meets the requirements of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive, 2015/863 for the stated banned substances.

Physical Properties

Data given for Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5, 88% metal, -325+500 mesh)

Viscosity (typical): 1800 poise Malcom Viscometer @ 10rpm and 25°C

Initial Tackiness (typical): 37 grams Tested to J-STD-005, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.44

Slump Test: Pass Tested to J-STD-005, IPC-TM-650, Method  2.4.35

Solder Ball Test: Preferred Tested to J-STD-005, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.43

Wetting Test: Pass Tested to J-STD-005, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.4.45

Reliability Properties

Copper Mirror Corrosion: Low Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.32

Corrosion Test: Low Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.15

Silver Chromate: Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35

Chloride and Bromides: None Detected Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35

Fluorides by Spot Test: Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.3.35.1

Surface Insulation Resistivity (SIR), (typical): Pass Tested to J-STD-004, IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.3.3

Availability

Kester EM808 is available in the Sn96.5Ag3.0Cu0.5 alloy with Type 3 powder. Type 3 powder mesh is recommended, but different powder particle size distributions are available for standard and fine pitch applications. For specific packaging information see Kester’s Solder Paste Packaging Chart for available sizes. The appropriate combination depends on process variables and the specific application.

Printing Parameters

Squeegee Blade            80-90 durometer stainless steel or polyurethane

Squeegee Speed            Capable to a maximum speed of 150 mm/sec (6 in/sec)

Stencil Material            Stainless Steel, Molybdenum, Nickel Plated or Brass

Temperature/Humidity            Optimal ranges are 21-25°C (70-77°F) and 35-65% RH

Recommended Reflow Profile

The recommended reflow profile for EM808 made with SAC alloys is shown here. This profile is simply a guideline. Since EM808 is a highly active solder paste, it can solder effectively over a wide range of profiles. Your optimal profile may be different from the one shown based on you oven, board and mix of defects. Please contact Kester Technical Support if you need additional profiling advice.

Cleaning

EM808 residues are best removed using automated cleaning equipment (in-line or batch) within 48 hours of soldering. De-ionized water is recommended for the final rinse. Water temperatures should be 49-60°C (120-140°F). Kester’s 5768 Cleaner can also be used in a 1-2% ratio for aqueous cleaning systems.

Storage and Shelf Life

Refrigeration is the recommended optimum storage condition for solder paste to maintain consistent viscosity, reflow characteristics, and overall performance. EM808 should be stabilized at room temperature prior to printing. EM808 should be kept at standard refrigeration temperatures, 0-10°C (32-50°F). Please contact Kester Technical Support if you require additional advice with regard to storage and handling of this material. Shelf life is 6 months from date of manufacture and held at 0-10°C (32-50°F).

Health and Safety

This product, during handling or use, may be hazardous to your health or the environment. Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and warning label before using this product.