MG Chemicals 425-LF, Lead-Free Superwick #3 Green Static Free, No Clean, 2.0mm, Case of 10
MG Chemicals 425-LF, Lead-Free Superwick #3 Green Static Free, No Clean, 2.0mm, Case of 10
MG Chemicals 425-LF Lead-Free Superwick is a 2.0 mm green-coded desoldering braid made from tightly woven, oxide-free copper coated with no-clean flux. It draws molten solder into the braid for surface solder removal during PCB repair and rework. The middle width in the 400-LF family offers an alternative to the narrower yellow 424-LF and wider blue 426-LF. This listing supplies 10 ESD-safe bobbins, each with a nominal 5 ft length.
Best Uses / Applications
- Surface solder removal during PCB repair and benchtop service.
- Surface-mount assembly touch-up and solder cleanup where a 2.0 mm braid fits the work area.
- Lead-free solder removal and general-purpose desoldering.
- Repair benches needing green-coded braid on ESD-safe bobbins.
Application limitation: The manufacturer overview mentions through-hole repair, but its current application instructions say wicking works best for surface solder and is not recommended for solder inside plated-through holes. Choose a process suited to the joint geometry.
Key Features
- Tightly woven, oxide-free copper for fast wicking and reduced dwell time.
- No-clean flux with manufacturer-reported non-conductive, non-corrosive residue.
- Green #3 identification and 2.0 mm width.
- ESD-safe bobbins; continue normal workstation ESD controls.
- Suitable for lead-free solder and general-purpose solder removal.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / part number | MG Chemicals / 425-LF |
| Family | 400-LF Series Lead-Free Superwick |
| Braid width | 2.0 mm / manufacturer nominal 0.08 in. |
| Length per bobbin | 5 ft nominal, approximately 1.5 m |
| Label color / size | Green / #3 |
| Package | Case of 10 bobbins |
| Braid material | Tightly woven, oxide-free copper |
| Flux classification, TDS | R (Rosin), ROL0 |
| Flux percentage, TDS | Less than 5% |
| Residue | Non-conductive and non-corrosive, manufacturer reported |
| Cleaning requirement, TDS | Recommended |
| Bobbin | ESD safe |
| Shelf life | 10 years |
| Storage | 22–27°C; dry, away from sunlight and moisture; shrink wrapping recommended for extended storage |
| Document references | TDS September 30, 2025; SDS September 25, 2025, version 5.02 |
Compare Lead-Free Superwick Widths
| Part | Width | Color | Length / bobbin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 424-LF | 1.5 mm / nominal 0.06 in. | Yellow | 5 ft / ESD safe |
| 425-LF | 2.0 mm / nominal 0.08 in. | Green | 5 ft / ESD safe |
| 426-LF | 2.5 mm / nominal 0.10 in. | Blue | 5 ft / ESD safe |
Match braid width to the solder area and available access. Use 425-LF when the 2.0 mm width suits the work rather than assuming one size is best for every joint.
Using the Braid
- Remove conformal coating or contamination from the work area.
- For lead-free solder, the TDS suggests starting at about 315°C tip temperature and adjusting as necessary for the assembly and process.
- Place braid on the solder, then place the iron tip on the braid without touching adjacent components.
- When wicking ends, lift the iron and braid together.
- Cut off the used section, allow cooling, and repeat as needed.
- Remove accumulated flux residue with a compatible, qualified cleaning process.
No-clean does not mean cleaning is never required. The current TDS recommends cleaning and includes residue removal in its instructions. Follow the assembly's cleanliness requirements.
Safety and Handling
The SDS identifies rosin-related respiratory and skin sensitization hazards. Avoid breathing fumes, use appropriate ventilation and protective equipment, and read the complete SDS before use. Do not use torch soldering, brazing or torch welding methods with this braid. Used braid and solder may remain hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What width is 425-LF?
425-LF is the green #3 braid, 2.0 mm wide. The current manufacturer TDS lists nominal 0.08 in.
How much braid is included?
Each bobbin has a nominal 5 ft, approximately 1.5 m. This listing supplies a case of 10 bobbins.
Can it remove lead-free solder?
Yes. Lead-Free Superwick is intended for lead-free solder removal and also supports general-purpose solder removal.
Is the bobbin ESD safe?
Yes. The manufacturer identifies the 425-LF bobbin as ESD safe. Maintain your normal ESD-controlled workstation procedures.
Do I need to clean no-clean flux residue?
The TDS recommends cleaning. Follow the assembly and process requirements rather than assuming no-clean means residue removal is unnecessary.
Can it remove solder inside plated-through holes?
The current application instructions do not recommend braid for that purpose. It works best on surface solder.
How does it compare with 424-LF and 426-LF?
425-LF is the middle width: green 2.0 mm, compared with yellow 1.5 mm 424-LF and blue 2.5 mm 426-LF. All three have ESD-safe bobbins and nominal 5 ft lengths.
What is its shelf life?
The TDS lists ten years with appropriate storage. Keep dry and away from moisture and sunlight; shrink wrapping is recommended for extended storage.
Technical and Safety Documents
MG Chemicals 400-LF Series Technical Data Sheet
MG Chemicals 400-LF Series Safety Data Sheet
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PCB Rework & Precision Tools Guide
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