Reports on detailed economic analyses of converting to no-clean fluxes were not found in the literature during this investigation. Nonetheless, the significant consensus in the literature is that when a change to no-clean fluxes can be made, it is an economical investment. Generally, a conversion does not necessitate a large capital investment and, because the post-solder cleaning process can be eliminated, operational savings are significant. For example:

• IBM reported saving 10% in assembly costs after changing to no-clean flux in a flip-chip on ceramic carrier assembly plant. (Ref. 7)

• Researchers at Sandia National Laboratory reported the cost to convert to a no-clean process for large-scale manufacturers at $25,000, with savings of $100,000 to $200,000 per year. (Ref. 8) These costs did not appear to be based on any specific case, but were generalizations.

One weakness in the positive reports on the economics of converting to no-clean fluxes is that it does not appear that the up-front costs of testing and investigation are taken into account. It is unclear how large an effect incorporating testing costs into an economic analysis would have for no-clean fluxes, but clearly the effect would be negative and, at this time, testing is required.

Return to the introduction of the No-Clean Technology Review.