How to increase the service life of soldering iron tips
Release Date：2017-07-14
After using lead-free soldering, the lifespan of the soldering iron tip will be reduced. How to properly maintain and extend the lifespan of soldering iron tips? Metcal's first level agent, Shenzhen Yapude Technology, has compiled the following:
The general structure of soldering iron tips on the market is mainly made of copper inside, with an iron plating layer on the outside. The front end of the iron plating layer is plated with tin (tin plating layer), and the back end is plated with antioxidant chromium. Due to tin and iron being highly reactive metals, they are easily combined to form mixed metals, especially at high temperatures. Moreover, the flux used during welding (especially highly active ones) is also a catalyst that accelerates the formation of mixed metal reactions.
When using the soldering iron tip for the first time, the temperature should be adjusted to 250 ℃, then the soldering tip should be cleaned, and a layer of new tin should be added for protection. When performing welding work, first clean the old tin on the welding nozzle before welding, then place it back on the iron frame, and repeat the above steps when welding again.
The base material of the soldering iron tip is made of copper material with good heat transfer, and the surface is electroplated with substances such as iron and tin. Due to the rapid oxidation of the soldering iron tip at high temperatures, an additional steel pipe is added inside the copper tube to slow down the oxidation rate. During normal use, the oxide in the steel pipe should be cleaned in a timely manner. The specific method is to remove the soldering iron head and gently tap it with the top and bottom facing down after completing the work every day (or every few days) to pour out the oxide. This can completely prevent the soldering iron tip from sintering on the heating element.
Cleaning sponges should not contain too much water, excess water should be squeezed out. This is the only way to achieve a good cleaning effect on the soldering iron tip. Using a non moist cleaning sponge can damage the soldering iron tip and prevent it from being soldered.
Try to use low-temperature soldering. If the temperature of the soldering iron tip exceeds 470 degrees, its oxidation rate is twice that of 380 degrees.
Never put the soldering iron tip back on the iron holder after wiping it clean with a cleaning sponge, and keep the soldering iron tip tinned regularly to prevent oxidation. If not in use for a long time, turn off the power.
When soldering, try to avoid continuously soldering the same area on the soldering iron tip to prevent local corrosion from affecting the use of the entire soldering iron tip. When welding, do not apply too much pressure, otherwise it may damage and deform the soldering iron tip.
For more information on welding repair tools such as soldering stations and soldering irons, please follow Shenzhen Yapude Technology.
