Chemtronics CircuitWorks Fast & Convenient PCB Repair and Prototyping at Your Benchtop
Most PCB rework problems don’t require a full production line — they require the right material in the right format, applied precisely where it’s needed. Chemtronics CircuitWorks is built around that premise: advanced-formula materials in precision delivery systems that make circuit board repair and prototyping faster, more accurate, and accessible at the benchtop level.
CircuitWorks products are compliant with IPC-7711 Rework of Electronic Assemblies and ANSI/J-STD-001, making them appropriate for use in regulated electronics manufacturing environments. Browse the full CircuitWorks collection or read on for a breakdown by product category.
For conformal coating selection, application methods, and PCB protection guidance, visit our Conformal Coating & PCB Protection Resource Hub. For electronics cleaning chemicals and flux removers, see our Cleanroom Chemicals & Solvents hub.
Conductive Inks & Epoxies: Trace Repair Without Soldering
CircuitWorks Conductive Pens contain highly conductive material — silver or nickel — suspended in a liquid polymer. The pen format lets you literally redraw a broken or damaged trace directly on the board surface, with no soldering required. Once cured, the trace conducts normally.
For solderless electronic connections that need more structural strength, 2-part conductive epoxy provides a bonded, conductive joint without heat. This is particularly useful for repairing surface mount pads, jumper connections, and areas where soldering would risk further damage to adjacent components.
Cleaning Pens: Flux Residue Removal at the Joint Level
Cleaning pens remove flux residues from solder joints with precision — useful for post-rework cleanup, pre-inspection touch-ups, and removing residue before conformal coating application. The pen format delivers solvent exactly where it’s needed without flooding surrounding components.
The Mighty Pen is a universal cleaner that also removes QC fault labels, markings, and adhesive residues from board surfaces — a practical tool for incoming inspection and rework documentation workflows.
Flux Pens: Precision Flux for Hand Soldering and Rework
CircuitWorks Flux Pens are valved, prefilled pens of flux for benchtop soldering. The controlled valve dispenses flux only when pressed, preventing over-application and keeping flux off areas where it isn’t needed. Tacky flux versions are available for applications where a viscous, paste-like flux is needed to hold components in place before soldering without spreading into surrounding areas.
Thermal Paste: Heat Transfer Without Electrical Conductivity
CircuitWorks Thermal Paste maximizes heat transfer between circuit components and heat sinks. The formulation is thermally conductive but electrically insulating — critical for applications where the heat sink is in contact with live circuit areas. Proper thermal interface material application reduces component operating temperatures and extends service life.
Overcoat Pens: Solder Resist Repair
CircuitWorks Overcoat Pens repair scratches, chips, and damage to PCB solder resist (the green or colored coating on the board surface). Damaged solder resist exposes bare copper, which can oxidize, create solder bridges during rework, or fail inspection. Overcoat pens restore the protective layer precisely at the damage site without requiring a full board recoat.
Specialty Lubricants: Connector Maintenance
The Gold Guard Pen cleans and lubricates gold finger connectors to eliminate intermittent connectivity failures caused by oxidation and surface contamination. Gold-plated edge connectors are particularly susceptible to contact resistance issues over time — the Gold Guard Pen restores and protects the contact surface without disassembly.
When to Use CircuitWorks vs. Full Production Chemistries
CircuitWorks products are optimized for benchtop rework, prototype builds, field repair, and low-volume operations where precision and convenience matter more than throughput. For production-volume cleaning, bulk flux removers and inline cleaning systems are more cost-effective. For production conformal coating, spray or selective coating systems outperform pen-format application. CircuitWorks fills the gap between those production processes — the rework bench, the prototype lab, and the field service kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What standards are CircuitWorks products compliant with?
CircuitWorks products are compliant with IPC-7711 Rework of Electronic Assemblies and ANSI/J-STD-001 Requirements for Soldering Electrical and Electronic Assemblies. This makes them appropriate for use in regulated electronics manufacturing environments including aerospace, defense, medical device, and contract electronics manufacturing operations.
Can CircuitWorks conductive pens replace soldering for trace repair?
Yes — for many trace repair applications. CircuitWorks Conductive Pens contain silver or nickel suspended in a liquid polymer that cures to a conductive trace. They’re well suited for repairing broken or damaged PCB traces, jumper connections, and surface mount pad repairs where soldering would risk further damage. For high-current or high-frequency applications, verify that the cured resistance of the conductive ink meets your circuit requirements.
What is the difference between CircuitWorks flux pens and tacky flux?
CircuitWorks Flux Pens dispense liquid flux through a controlled valve — ideal for hand soldering, rework, and applications where flux needs to flow into tight areas. Tacky flux is a viscous, paste-like form that stays where it’s placed without spreading, making it useful for holding components in position before soldering or for applying flux to specific pads without contaminating adjacent areas.
When should I use an overcoat pen vs. a full conformal coating?
Use an overcoat pen for localized solder resist repair — scratches, chips, or damage at a specific location on the board. It’s a spot repair tool, not a full coating solution. For boards that need complete conformal coating coverage for environmental protection (moisture, corrosion, vibration), a full conformal coating applied by brush, spray, dip, or selective coating is the right approach. See our Conformal Coating & PCB Protection Resource Hub for guidance.
Is CircuitWorks thermal paste electrically conductive?
No — CircuitWorks Thermal Paste is thermally conductive but electrically insulating. This is the correct formulation for most heat sink applications, where the paste fills microscopic air gaps between the component and heat sink to improve heat transfer, but must not create an electrical path between them. Do not substitute electrically conductive epoxy for thermal paste in heat sink applications.
What does the Gold Guard Pen do and when should I use it?
The Gold Guard Pen cleans and lubricates gold finger edge connectors to restore contact reliability and prevent oxidation. Use it when gold-plated connectors show signs of intermittent connectivity, increased contact resistance, or visible oxidation or contamination on the contact surface. It’s also useful as a preventive maintenance step for connectors in high-cycle or high-reliability applications.
