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WonderMASK W Washable Solder Mask
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Temporary solder mask is intended to be just that – temporary. Manufacturers of solder masks, like Chemtronics, always recommend removing the mask because there is no testing to support doing otherwise. If you decide to leave the solder mask on as a permanent part of the PCB, you will have to do your own functional and reliability testing to ensure it does not cause a problem.
Particulates + surfactants during rinse = foam. Check filtration system or drain & recharge the rinse water system as necessary. The particulates may come from various sources, but excess solder flux being rinsed off the boards is a prime culprit. Bacteria in the water can cause foaming. Have a water sample analyzed.
Solder mask is engineered to withstand molten solder temperature for the very brief time (about a second) it is exposed in a typical wave soldering process. Most commercially available masks should be able to withstand melting point temperatures of lead-based and lead-free solder, up to 650°F (343°C). As exposure time is lengthened, like in a reflow oven, there is more potential the mask will bubble, char, and become brittle. How long a mask can withstand extreme temperatures depends on the thickness of the bead, and the type of mask.