MG Chemicals 454-NS, Superwick #4 Blue, Fine Braid, No Clean, 2.5mm x 50ft, Case of 5
MG Chemicals 454-NS, Superwick #4 Blue, Fine Braid, No Clean, 2.5mm x 50ft, Case of 5
MG Chemicals 454-NS No-Clean Superwick is blue-coded #4 desoldering braid, 2.5 mm wide, supplied in nominal 50 ft spools. Tightly woven, oxide-free copper coated with high-activation-temperature no-clean flux draws molten solder into the braid for surface solder removal and PCB repair. This listing supplies a case of five spools.
Important packaging distinction: The manufacturer lists the 454-NS 50 ft spool as not ESD safe. The ESD-safe packaging claim for the family's smaller bobbins does not apply to this spool. Select packaging appropriate to your workstation's ESD requirements.
Best Uses / Applications
- Surface solder cleanup during PCB repair and benchtop electronics service.
- Surface-mount touch-up where 2.5 mm braid fits the solder area.
- General-purpose desoldering using a qualified iron-and-braid process.
- Repair operations choosing longer spools where non-ESD-safe spool packaging is acceptable.
Although the manufacturer overview mentions through-hole repair, its application instructions say braid works best on surface solder and is not recommended for solder inside plated-through holes.
Key Features
- Tightly woven, oxide-free copper for fast wicking and reduced dwell time.
- High-activation-temperature no-clean flux.
- Manufacturer-reported non-conductive, non-corrosive residue.
- Blue #4 identification, 2.5 mm width and nominal 50 ft length per spool.
- Case of five spools for repair-bench replenishment.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / part number | MG Chemicals / 454-NS |
| Family | 400-NS Series No-Clean Superwick |
| Width | 2.5 mm / nominal 0.10 in. |
| Length per spool | 50 ft nominal / manufacturer table approximately 15 m |
| Color / size | Blue / #4 |
| Package quantity | Case of 5 spools |
| Spool ESD safe? | No, per manufacturer packaging table |
| Braid material | Tightly woven, oxide-free copper |
| Flux classification, TDS | R (Rosin), ROL0 |
| Flux content, TDS | Less than 5% |
| Residue | Non-conductive and non-corrosive, manufacturer reported |
| Cleaning, TDS property table | Recommended |
| Shelf life | 10 years |
| Storage | 22–27°C, dry and away from sunlight and moisture; shrink wrapping recommended for extended storage |
| Document dates | TDS September 30, 2025; SDS September 25, 2025, version 4.01 |
Compare No-Clean Superwick Packages
| Part | Width / color | Length | ESD-safe packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| 424-NS | 1.5 mm / Yellow | 5 ft | Yes |
| 424-NS-10FT | 1.5 mm / Yellow | 10 ft | Yes |
| 425-NS | 2.0 mm / Green | 5 ft | Yes |
| 453-NS | 2.0 mm / Green | 50 ft | No |
| 426-NS | 2.5 mm / Blue | 5 ft | Yes |
| 426-NS-10FT | 2.5 mm / Blue | 10 ft | Yes |
| 454-NS | 2.5 mm / Blue | 50 ft | No |
Choose braid width to fit the solder area and access. For blue 2.5 mm braid on ESD-safe bobbins, compare 426-NS or 426-NS-10FT rather than assuming the 50 ft spool has the same packaging characteristics.
Use and Residue Management
- Remove conformal coating and contamination from the work area.
- Use an iron temperature qualified for the assembly. For lead-free solder, the TDS suggests starting at about 315°C and adjusting as necessary.
- Place braid on the solder and apply the iron tip to the braid, avoiding adjacent components.
- When wicking ends, lift the iron and braid together.
- Trim used braid, allow cooling and repeat as needed.
- Complete cleaning and inspection according to the assembly process.
No-clean clarification: The manufacturer's introduction says the non-conductive, non-corrosive residue does not need cleaning. However, the same TDS recommends cleaning in its property table and includes removal of accumulated flux in its instructions. Follow your validated process rather than treating “no-clean” as a universal instruction to leave residue.
Safety and Handling
The SDS identifies rosin-related respiratory and skin sensitization hazards. Avoid breathing fumes, provide appropriate ventilation, use protective equipment and review the full SDS before use. Do not use brazing, torch soldering or torch welding methods with this braid. Used braid and solder can remain hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is MG Chemicals 454-NS?
It is blue #4 braid, 2.5 mm wide, supplied in nominal 50 ft spools.
How many spools are included?
This listing supplies a case of five 50 ft spools.
Is the 454-NS spool ESD safe?
No. The manufacturer packaging table explicitly lists this 50 ft spool as not ESD safe.
How does it differ from 426-NS and 426-NS-10FT?
All three use blue 2.5 mm NS-family braid. 454-NS provides 50 ft on a non-ESD-safe spool; the 5 ft 426-NS and 10 ft 426-NS-10FT use ESD-safe bobbins.
How does it differ from 453-NS?
Both use non-ESD-safe 50 ft spools. 454-NS is blue 2.5 mm braid; 453-NS is green 2.0 mm braid.
Does no-clean mean cleaning is never required?
No. Despite the introductory no-clean statement, the TDS recommends cleaning and includes a cleaning step. Follow the assembly's residue requirements.
Can I use it to clear plated-through holes?
The manufacturer application instructions do not recommend braid for solder inside plated-through holes. It works best on surface solder.
How should it be stored?
Keep dry at 22–27°C and away from sunlight and moisture. The TDS lists a ten-year shelf life and recommends shrink wrapping for extended storage.
Technical and Safety Documents
MG Chemicals 400-NS Series Technical Data Sheet
MG Chemicals 400-NS Series Safety Data Sheet
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