Wash-A-Spacers

Wash-A-Spacers

Features

✓ Designed For Water Rinsing Systems ✓ Available In a Wide Variety Of Sizes
✓ Leaves No Residue ✓ Provides a Clean Air Space Under Components
✓ Non-Toxic, Non-Ionic, Non-Corrosive ✓ Meets Requirements Of Mil Standard 275E
✓ Does Not Char, Brown, Or Distort
  • Description

    Wash-A-Spacers are designed to accurately lift components off the surface of the circuit board during wave soldering. After soldering, they simply wash away in the cleaning cycle. Wash-A-Spacers are made of a unique blend of polymeric material contains no sugars, salts, metal, or soap. The result is a non-corrosive, non-toxic spacer that will not contaminate the circuit board. Wash-A-Spacers are available in a wide variety of shapes and thicknesses from 0.025 inches to 0.060 inches depending on the spacer design. They are an easy method for meeting the requirements of Mil Standard 275E.

  • Materials

    Type P-75 is a 100% organic polymer similar to albumen in chemical composition. It dissolves in hot water (140°F, 60°C).

  • Size

    Wash-A-Spacers are ordered by the part number and thickness. The part number specifies the dimensions of the spacer design. The thickness is the dimension of the spacer off the surface of the circuit board. Thickness normally ranges from 0.025 inches to 0.060 inches, depending on the spacer design. The thickness tolerances for Wash-A-Spacers are +0.005 inches.

  • Application

    Wash-A-Spacers are placed between the component and the printed circuit board so that the component rests securely on the top surface of the spacer during the wave solder operation. As the circuit board travels through the cleaning system, the spacers dissolve in water or alcohol and leave a clean air space beneath the component.


    The processes that are not compatible with the use of Wash-A-Spacers are lead crimping and flux saturation of the spacer. Lead crimping tends to crush some spacers. If this process is required, please contact a customer service representative for the correct spacer design. Fluxes do not normally affect the performance of Wash-A-Spacers; however, in situations where saturation of the spacers with flux is unavoidable, we recommend the use of glycol ether based flux. Chlorinated solvents and, to a lesser extent, alcohol-based fluxes tend to weaken Wash-A-Spacers.

  • Shelf Life

    Wash-A-Spacers are adversely affected by humidity and should be stored with a desiccant in tightly closed containers. The P-75 Spacers have a shelf life of six months. Boards should be soldered within 24 hours of insertion of spacers to ensure that heat and moisture do not weaken the spacers.

Share by: