At the time of product development of the HAKKO FS‐100 Tip Polish in 2005, our engineers had recommended that the product be used within one year provided the container was unopened and stored in a cool, dry, and dark space. This determination was set based on the desire to have the maximum effectiveness for cleaning the soldering iron tip. In no way is the one‐year mark to be considered an expiration date as the mixture is still active and useful. As the mixture ages, the effectiveness of the cleaning degrades however this rate of degradation is low and is also affected by exposure to air. In now way have seen this degradation to be a linear effect. We have observed the FS‐100 Tip Polish cleaning abilities for containers as old as 5 years, including those that have been opened and partially used and have seen only minor reductions in the ability of the material to clean the soldering iron tip.
From this information we have determined that there is no 'shelf life' for the FS-100 Tip Polish. For best results, we do recommend that the product be used within two years of the date of manufacture (DOM) that is marked on each container, but this date is in no way an expiration date. Once the container is opened, we recommend that you cover the container when not in use, and if the product is not going to be used for extended periods, it should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark space.
To determine the Date of Manufacture (DOM) on your FS-100 Tip Polishing Paste, look at the backside of the tin for a Numerical code .
For example 2018 with an 11 directly below it would indicate a manufacturing date of November 2018.
NOTE : For FS-100 manufactured after October of 2021 the ( DOM) "Date of manufacturing" is now printed on the top side of the tin for easy Identification of the ( DOM)
Related Part Numbers:
FS100-01
FS100-PK
FS100-01/P