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Question Lead-free SMD solder & flux recommendations?

KTW02

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I have some generic Sn99.3/Cu0.7 (Not SN100C, it's older than that) lead-free solder and flux from a few years ago that works fine for through-hole, but it's 1.0mm and I've already failed using it for anything SMD that's more complicated than 0805 passives. Any recommendations for a lead-free solder + flux pair for vias and other SMD work? I see the guide already has a recommendation for leaded.

I prefer Digikey, but anything with cheap shipping to Canada works

My iron is a Pinecil v2. I used to have a Weller WLC-100 but that's garbage, really should have just bought the Pinecil from the get-go.
 

YveltalGriffin

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.020" solder is great for portablizing-type stuff. Besides SAC305 and SN100C, maybe consider Kester 275 K100LD?

In terms of flux, these are all good options the community likes:
  • Chipquik SMD291 and SMD491
  • MG Chemicals 8341
  • Amtech NC-559-v2-TF (or Stirri V3-TF)
When I need liquid low-solids flux (i.e. to go under a flex PCB when tack soldering) I use Kester 951.
 

Stitches

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Can confirm 951 is great, and I use MG's 8341 for basically everything else. If you're going to be doing a lot of SMD work, it would be better to get a basic hot air station and some solder paste. When the passives get smaller than 0805 I put the old iron away for my own sanity
 
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