Sometimes when we work on intricately printed circuit boards (PCBs), we experience solder bridges – some unintended electrical connections among two conductors because of the tiny bits of solder or flux materials. So, how to prevent this?
Solder stop or Solder mask, as it is often called, is a thin and lacquer-like polymer film that we can apply to nickel or copper traces on PCBs to secure against oxidation and the development of bridges among components.
Necessary in bulk-produced PCBs, solder masks are utilized in assembly applications like conformal coating and thru-hole masking. There are many benefits like providing electrical insulation, keeping the solder on the pads to reduce solder bridges, and protecting circuits from electrical shorts.
If you’re hand soldering or wave soldering, masks help protect plated thru-holes, terminals, pins, gold fingers, contacts, and posts on PCBs. Also, they make hand soldering easier, faster, and more perfect.
Solder masks are necessary for successful and effective element placement on PCBs and to prevent component or board failure, if used with care. Usually, they are temporary and either -soluble or peelable. Search for brands that are non-contaminating and don’t leave a corrosive or ionic residue.
View our Solder Mask Options Here
ACL Staticide Mighty Mask 8691 is a fast-curing, hand-applied peel-able solder masking agent. It has natural latex created with a high-temperature resistant compound that protects component-free areas throughout wave soldering. Mighty Mask 8691 is uncomplicated to use and drys tack-free within 30 minutes. The item has greater strength and is well-matched with nearly all cleaning solvents and flux systems.
Mighty Mask II 8692 is a washable, hand-applied solder mask that applies smooth, dries quickly and can resist the high heat procedure of lead soldering. It is Water-soluble, as it is designed especially for closed-loop water systems to be easily removed. It is systematically secure for filters and ion beds in inline and batch cleaning systems.