I investigated solder pastes a year or so ago and all the big=20
manufacturers that I contacted said it had to be refrigerated and had a=20
specific shelf life -- usually around 6 months.  The samples I got all=20
came packed an in packs and were shipped overnight, so they seem pretty=20
serious about this.  But shelf life will vary based on how the=20
temperature cycles up and down over time, and how many times you open=20
the jar and get moisture in it.  I found it interesting though that some=20
solder paste in a syringe I got from Digikey, called "Chip-Quik" for=20
small rework, was not refrigerated and worked quite fine -- better than=20
the hobbyist solder pastes.

Actually, now I remember there was a hobbyist solder paste in a syringe=20
that claimed to require no refrigeration.  I never tried it, because I=20
previously tried another hobbyist solder paste in a syringe and it was=20
miserable.  The vendor suggested the flux must've separated so I should=20
mix it, but mixing solder in a syringe is impractical.

I've noticed that Kester solder wire works very well after 5 years, even=20
though the shelf life is stated as 2 years.  And better than "new" radio=20
shack solder.  So I'm willing to bet that solder pastes will probably=20
last longer too, though I can't say how much longer.

I keep mine refrigerated, and if you're concerned about getting a=20
fridge, get a small wine-cooler perhaps -- $70 new, and probably half=20
that used.

Perhaps this helps,
-Neil.



On 7/8/2012 3:00 AM, Electron wrote:
> Hi,
>
> even if it costs more than other types, could anybody please suggest
> a solder paste (available from Mouser or DigiKey) that works very well
> solder-wise (nice to work with, good results, etc..), but that has a
> long shelf time and that preferably doesn't need to be stored in a
> fridge?
>
> PS: Sorry I forgot to say that I can (and intend to) use leaded paste,
> as it's for an automotive application (and of the most harsh kind, too).
>
> Thank You very much,
> Mario
>


--=20
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