Get More Life out of Your Soldering Tips

Quality finished assembly and repair requires the use of soldering tips that perform to specifications. However, with improper care of your tips, you may experience poor performance caused by de-tinning, degradation of the tip face, and bent tips.

To keep a tip from de-tinning, avoid soldering at temperatures above 800°F. Tips should also not be contaminated with oil, grease, silicone, potting compounds, epoxy, etc. Keep your sponge clean - free of scales, flux residue and soap. Whenever possible, use high tin allows as opposed to high lead allows. De-tinning can occur when there is an insufficient amount of solder and flux or when a low-quality solder is used. Always add tin/lead/flux after cleaning and before using. And, don't allow the soldering iron to sit idle for long periods without adding fresh solder and flux to the tip.

Degradation of the tip face is evident when a hole appears on the tip. These can be avoided by not applying the solder directly to the tip while soldering. Also, consider using less active flux formulations. Technicians should not use the tip as a tool to hold leads or tabs down. Tapping the tip on the bench to remove excess solder will also damage the tip.

Bent tips occur when too much pressure is applied to the soldering joint. This is usually done to increase the heat transfer. Instead of applying more pressure, consider using more flux or selecting a different tip geometry to increase heat transfer. Also take care when replacing the pencil in its holder so that the tip is not bent. One of our representatives can help you select replacement tips for any station brand and application.

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