Solder & Chemistry

The switch to water-based fluxes is a strategic decision aimed at reducing risks in the supply chain and stabilizing production costs. By eliminating alcohol-based solvents such as IPA and ethanol, companies can insulate themselves from highly volatile raw material markets. Emil Otto offers a technologically advanced portfolio for this purpose that combines high process reliability, reproducible soldering quality, and economic advantages.

https://emilotto.de/elektronik/flussmittel/wasserbasierende/

Yes, modern water-based fluxes can serve as equivalent replacements for alcohol-based systems in many processes. With the EO-G-006, EO-G-011, and EO-G-012 series, Emil Otto offers drying-optimized solutions that have been specifically developed for different temperature profiles and process requirements. These fluxes achieve comparable wetting properties, activation performance, and process stability. This makes it possible to replace them almost entirely without compromising soldering quality.

Water-based fluxes are formulations that use water as a carrier medium instead of alcoholic solvents such as IPA or ethanol. They contain organic, halogen-free, and resin-free activators that specifically remove oxide layers from metallic surfaces. Emil Otto develops such systems with optimized drying properties that enable uniform wetting, stable soldering processes, and residue-free results.

The key advantage lies in the reduced dependence on volatile commodity markets while maintaining consistent process quality.

Prices for isopropanol (IPA) and ethanol are rising due to geopolitical tensions and the resulting disruptions in global oil and gas supply chains. Both substances are directly linked to petrochemical processes. IPA is a byproduct of petroleum refining, while synthetic ethanol is derived from ethylene. In addition, the shift of production to the Asia-Pacific region and the prioritization of domestic markets are further limiting availability. Emil Otto GmbH is responding to this development with water-based fluxes that significantly reduce this dependency.