A large assortment of soldering irons does not mean that you can work with any model. The device must solve specific tasks, which means that not everyone is suitable.
Acquaintance with the characteristics and components will tell you how to choose a soldering iron for your home.
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Soldering iron types
They are divided by power. For soldering microcircuits, 10 watts are recommended, and for micro parts – 4 watts. Typically, the device reaches the operating temperature +/- five minutes. If you delve into the details, then:
- Low-power (up to 40 W) is better for electronics
They are used where increased accuracy and accuracy is required.
- Medium power (40-100 W) – for soldering wires
These are optimal indicators.
- Large-scale objects are soldered with high-power ( 100 W or more)
They have strong heat dissipation.
By the type of heating, there are:
- Soldering irons with ceramic heater
The rod is heated by electricity. They are powerful, durable, hardy, warm up instantly and hold t well. True, the heating element is fragile, it is installed only on native “stings”. Among such soldering irons, there are many fakes at a red price, although in fact it is an expensive device. - Soldering irons with a nichrome heater.
It is based on a nichrome spiral, which is heated by current. It can be replaced if it burns out. It heats up for a long time, but it is reliable. And the cost is affordable. - Induction devices, based on an induction coil,
heats the tip evenly and automatically maintains a regular temperature. Economical. However, there are nuances: for a certain temperature, you will have to put the appropriate sting, the device itself is expensive. - Pulse soldering irons
Heated by high frequency transformer and frequency converter. Suitable for wires and microcircuits. These heat up instantly, but are only suitable for short-term tasks. - Infrared soldering stations
Impulse create infrared waves with a length of 2-10 microns.
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Soldering iron tip
The sting is the main part of the device, it connects objects to each other. In shape, the tips are tapered and needle-shaped, with a beveled edge and in the form of a flat screwdriver, as well as similar to an ax.
A flat screwdriver tip is often popular. It has a large heating area, it holds the solder firmly on itself. However, a tapered tip is optimal for soldering microcircuits.
| Tip type | Peculiarities |
| Copper | Not functional but easy to use |
| Nickel plated | Advanced, but need to adjust the soldering temperature |
It is important to place the head in the correct position – on the tip of the heating element. If the element protrudes, it will not allow working close to the floor or wall.
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Temperature controlled soldering iron
If you need to choose a soldering iron as a work tool, and not at home, a model with temperature control will be a good solution. For this, the load is adjusted for each type of work and the optimal type of tip is selected for high-quality soldering of objects.
There are several ways to regulate the temperature of the soldering iron:
- use a simple switch from low to high heat,
- use an external control unit,
- regulate the temperature with a dimmer,
- control heating through a microcircuit on the handle of the device,
- use a hairdryer.
The temperature controlled soldering iron is not only convenient to use. It saves energy consumption, extends the service life of the device, and reduces the amount of harmful substances that are released during soldering at high temperatures.
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Flux
The task of the flux is to ensure the spreading of the solder over the joint surface. According to its purpose, the soldering flux is:
- Neutral
Such a substance does not conduct current, and also does not contain acid. - Active
Contains hydrochloric acid and is a good conductor. - Protective
Designed to protect the weld from corrosion.
The flux is produced in liquid form, in the form of a gel, paste or powder (borax flux).
Knowing what parts the tool consists of and having an idea of what types there are, the answer to the question of how to choose a soldering iron ceases to be difficult. Everything is known by comparison . Although universal soldering stations are still worth their weight in gold. They make it possible not only to engage in amateur soldering of parts at home, but also to conduct professional activities.
