How to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires

How to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires – Tools – How to choose an electric soldering iron

Do you need to connect several wires together? Do you urgently need to repair a household appliance or gadget? Has the car reached its advanced age and requires constant repairs in the garage? Does your child persistently ask to buy a radio engineering set? Or maybe, due to work needs, I had to master a related field - radio electronics? Well, then it’s time to buy a soldering iron. We will look at what they are and how they differ from each other.

Types of soldering irons

There are all sorts of soldering irons - classic electric, gas, infrared, hot air, induction, pulse and many others.

There are quite a large number of people who have learned to master some of them, for example, pulse or gas models, and perform most precision work with them, including soldering planar components.

And yet, the vast majority of both engineers and ordinary people use electric soldering irons with replaceable rods in their daily work, since they are convenient, very light and relatively cheap. The vast majority of them produce two types: mica and ceramic.

Both of these types have both undoubted advantages and certain disadvantages. In the first, nichrome wire is wound onto a dielectric heat-conducting cylinder (usually made of mica, ceramics or fiberglass), into which a soldering rod is inserted. The spiral in such soldering irons is located outside, and therefore most of the heat is not used, which leads to low efficiency.

It also has a rather short resource, which, during professional work in continuous mode, leads to frequent replacement of the tool or to the need to purchase additional devices in the form of a power regulator for standby mode.

On the other hand, they are not afraid of mechanical shocks and are very cheap to produce, since their manufacturing technology has been sufficiently developed and optimized over many decades.

In the second type, a ceramic heating cylinder is inserted into a hollow tip, due to which the efficiency significantly increases and the heating time decreases; also, with careful handling, the service life of such soldering irons is an order of magnitude longer than nichrome ones.

On the other hand, these models are quite fragile, which radically changes the manner in which it is handled when working, for example, it is very risky (as is customary in mica-plastic ones) to shake off the solder from the tip by tapping.

The production technology of such models is relatively new, requires serious investments in factory equipment, and therefore they are still quite expensive and “not just everyone” can produce them.

Power

Each type of work, depending on the size of the parts and the materials used to make them, requires its own specific power. So, for soldering surface-mounted parts, you need devices with a power of 3-10 W. For soldering most radio components into printed circuit boards or mounted mounting, a 16-25 W soldering iron is suitable.

For household and electrical work, 40 W is suitable in most cases. For soldering network and automotive wires, as well as when working with parts thicker than two millimeters, a tool power of around 100 W is required. For tinning and sealing old radiators, pots and other large metal items - 150 W.

For soldering large objects, earthen polygons, thick wires, powerful chassis - 250 W. For construction work - 500 W.

The size of the soldering rod and power, as a rule, are in accordance with each other, that is, the smaller the tip, the less ability it has to accumulate thermal energy and maintain it during operation, since when it comes into contact with the soldered parts, the temperature of the soldering iron will decrease due to for heat removal.

It is worth noting that soldering irons, in addition to varying power, are available for different supply voltages. The most popular voltages are 6 V, 12 V, 36 V, 220 V. The lower the voltage, the safer the soldering iron is for humans and some radio components, however, for all voltages below 220 V, converters (transformers) are required.

Temperature

Different types of soldering work require their own temperature, which is selected in accordance with the thermal profile of the parts being soldered and the selected solder. For example, surface-mounted micro parts require heating of ~260-270°C, small radio components require about ~300°C, and large ones require about ~350°C.

Higher temperatures of ~700 - 800 °C are used in conjunction with refractory solders for soldering bronze, steel, silver, and also where the soldering area experiences significant deformation, vibration and shock.

To correctly set the temperature of the soldering iron and select the solder, you should keep in mind that during classical soldering the tip is heated up by ~40-80°C more than the parts being soldered, and those, in turn, are heated by 20-40°C more than the solder.

In order for the parts to be firmly connected to each other and the soldering to be of high quality, it is necessary that the selected solder corresponds to the soldering temperature, since underheating and overheating of the soldering iron will radically worsen the quality of the connection - in the first case, the solder will not be able to melt completely, and in the latter, the flux will evaporate before it can solder the elements.

Thus, the choice of solder must be approached consciously, since the range is quite wide, from low-melting alloys, for example, Wood's alloy (~69°C) and Rose's (~94°C) to lead-free solders with a melting point of ~400°C and more.

The heating temperature of commercially produced soldering irons mainly depends on its design and power, and the most popular models heat up to approximately ~400°C.

Tip (sting)

The tip is a very important element of the soldering iron, the basis of its high-quality work, and the first thing people pay attention to when working. The speed, reliability and convenience of soldering depend on its parameters, so you need to be extremely careful when choosing it. A high-quality tip must have good thermal conductivity, sufficient strength, protection from oxidation, durability, etc.

These requirements are often well met individually for different metals, but usually cause considerable difficulty when trying to satisfy them all at the same time. For example, a copper tip has excellent thermal conductivity, but it oxidizes very quickly, becomes covered with a layer of scale and wears out, and the more active the flux, the greater the wear.

To restore the shape and further protect such a tip, it must be periodically sharpened and then covered with a layer of solder or tinned.

The process of searching for the ideal tip is ongoing.

Thus, in an attempt to improve the characteristics of a copper tip, there is a constant search for the optimal composition of alloys or options for the arrangement of layers of different metals, when the composition of the rod differs either in length (the main part, for example, is made of copper, steel or ceramics, and the tip is made of silver, nickel or alloys copper), or by thickness (when the core is made of one material, and the coating is single-layer or multi-layered from others, which increases protection from the effects of active flux and wear). However, in this embodiment, the classical manner and technique of working with capturing a drop of solder and transferring it is difficult, so soldering is usually carried out “with feeding”, when solder with flux in the form of a wire is brought directly to the soldering point without holding it on the tip. This is very convenient for industrial production and use on a conveyor belt, and for manual soldering this method requires some skills, as well as fixation and immobility of all elements, since both hands will be busy. At the same time, such tips require very careful and careful handling, they should not be overheated or any force applied to them, they should not be exposed to abrasives (files), they should not bend bent leads of parts, in addition, their thermal conductivity is somewhat lower, therefore, solder melts less well, which, accordingly, requires an increase in temperature. Also, they should not be operated for a long time at maximum temperature, as this leads to oxidation of the working edge, which will become extremely difficult to tin. They should also not be left for a long time without solder and it is highly advisable to reduce the heating temperature during idle time. These tips are cleaned with a special damp sponge.

For various types of work, not only the material of the tip is important, but also its shape, since the convenience of work depends on it. The most versatile and popular is the wedge - a tip with excellent thermal conductivity, it is very convenient to work with, the solder accumulates on the tip, and you can solder either with wire solder or with lump solder.

With such a tip you can solder both small parts and rows of pins of modern microcircuits, for which a tip or edge is best suited and they also remove random jumpers, as well as large parts, for which the wide side of the wedge is more suitable. Cones with a plane cut at different angles are also popular and have similar qualities.

Soldering irons and stations produced in Southeast Asia most often come with wedge-shaped tips, which are convenient for soldering small parts. Other external options, such as: needle, fork, microwave, knife, nozzle for soldering plastics, hatchet and others, are usually the province of professional technologies, where their use greatly facilitates, reduces the cost and speeds up the soldering process.

However, despite this variety, choosing the best shape or material from which the tip is made is more a matter of personal preference and skill.

Criterias of choice

Home profile
At home, it is quite rare to use a soldering iron for household purposes, so they try to choose only one model, but for all occasions.

Most often this involves occasional filling of small holes, soldering of network wires, soldering of various small parts made of zinc, iron and copper, repair of children's toys, heating of soured screws, melting of hot-melt adhesive.

Thus, for this profile, the main criteria are universal power suitable for most household applications, minimum price, and acceptable dimensions.

Electrical profile
Although most electrical connections can be made with terminals, twists (with or without caps), screw clamps, sleeves, etc., a soldering iron is indispensable when increased reliability is required, for example, due to the subsequent inaccessibility or even impossibility of approaching the connection point wires, which happens when sealing connections with plaster or tiles.

Automotive profile
This profile assumes that the soldering iron is purchased for a car enthusiast’s garage, and not for a car service center that provides professional services (they simply need a lot more than one universal soldering iron).

A standard 60-100 W soldering iron is quite suitable for a car enthusiast for soldering wires, small parts, melting and gluing numerous plastics, heating soured fasteners, etc.

Despite the fact that in modern cars radiators are no longer made of copper, if the need arises for a tinker, you can choose a model with even more power.

Radio engineering profile
This profile implies that the engineer’s workplace already has a calibrated soldering station, a hot air gun, gas and ceramic soldering irons, that is, there are all the instruments for soldering a wide range of radio-electronic components and only additional or spare tools are required, including for roughing and auxiliary works If the home craftsman has mentally matured enough to repair not only personal equipment, then he should take a closer look at one of the soldering stations.

Source: https://ice-people.ru/payal-2/kak-vybrat-payalnik-dlya-pajki-provodov-instrumenty-kak-vybrat-elektropayalnik.html

How to properly solder wires with a soldering iron

Proper soldering of wires is reliable, durable and beautiful in appearance. To properly solder copper wires, you need to select solder, flux, and prepare the wire cores. The article discusses the question of how to properly solder copper wires of different sections with an electric soldering iron.

Tools and materials for soldering copper wires

Preparing a soldering iron for soldering wires

The choice of soldering iron power depends on the cross-section of the wires. For thin single-core and stranded copper wires and printed circuit board tracks, a soldering iron with a 3 mm tip and a power of 25 W is suitable. For wire sections of 2 mm or more, you need a 60 W soldering iron, and for massive parts, use a 200 W hammer soldering iron.

The soldering iron tip must be clean, without shells. To align the soldering iron tip, use a fine file. After processing the sting, it is tinned so that the copper does not oxidize. Another important element when soldering is the soldering iron stand. If you want to efficiently solder small wires and electronic board elements, you need to have a soldering iron tip temperature regulator.

With this regulator you can accurately set the temperature of the soldering iron for solders of different brands. The best option for a soldering iron tip temperature controller would be a device with a temperature sensor that is installed on the soldering iron tip. The set tip temperature will not depend on changes in the mains voltage.

Temperature regulator for soldering iron

Since soldering with an electric soldering iron produces toxic solder fumes and smoke from rosin, the workplace must be equipped with good exhaust ventilation. Workplace lighting should not be dim. To make it easier to repair electronic boards, you can purchase a special board holder with a lens and backlight.

You can make a simple temperature controller for a soldering iron with your own hands

Choosing flux and solder for soldering wires

Depending on the type of soldering, the brand of solder is selected. The most common brand of solder is POS-61. Tin-lead solder with a tin content of 61%. Its melting point is 190 C, and it is suitable for any soldering iron. This solder is used where there is no stress on the connection.

Solder characteristics

If the connection of the wires must be strong, choose POS 40 or POS 30 brand solder. It is convenient to use POS-61 solder in the form of a rod wound on a reel. Solder diameter is from 1 to 3 mm. Sometimes there is hollow solder with rosin poured inside.

Also, depending on the type of wire soldering, there are various fluxes, gels, and rosin. Flux is necessary when soldering wires, as it removes oxides from the surface of the wires being soldered, and also reduces the surface tension of the solder, which allows the solder to easily spread over the surfaces being welded.

Fluxes also degrease surfaces well. Another advantage of fluxes is the protection of heated surfaces from oxides. Without fluxes, soldering copper wires with a soldering iron would be difficult. Many fluxes contain active substances such as acids and solvents. These active substances remain on the surface of the wire and in the solder.

Over time, they destroy wire connections. Therefore, the PUE prohibits the use of active fluxes for soldering connections when installing electrical wiring, in electrical panels. These fluxes are also prohibited in the electronics industry, but many electricians use them, after all, not for themselves.

Rosin-based fluxes for soldering with an electric soldering iron

I don’t argue that such fluxes provide quick, convenient and even beautiful soldering, but no one thinks about the consequences. There is a rosin-based flux that has high performance when soldering wires with a soldering iron. The solderings are beautiful, durable and reliable.

This flux is also used when soldering electronic circuit boards. It's pretty easy to make. Usually they take a piece of rosin, break it into powder and dissolve it in any 90% alcohol in a ratio of 50% to 50%, by volume. Rosin dissolves easily in alcohol. To work with rosin, use a brush.

How to solder copper wires with a soldering iron

The first point of soldering is to clean the wires from the oxide film. Not only aluminum, but also copper is coated with an oxide film. Its presence on copper makes tinning of wires difficult; tinning occurs in patches and unevenly. Therefore, clean the copper wire with a sharp knife from all sides.

After removing the oxides, the surface of the wire is moistened with a brush with liquid rosin. Use the tip of a soldering iron to take a little solder and tinning the wire. You don’t have to twist the wire, move the soldering iron tip forward, and we see how the solder instantly spreads over the entire wire.

Solder with a 2 mm rod

Now, one more important point before soldering copper wires is the connection. Remember, all wire connections must be secure. Methods for attaching wires are shown in the figure below. You cannot overlap solder without fastening. The soldering turns out to be very weak, although even. Such soldering does not withstand mechanical load or slight vibration for a long time.

Methods for connecting wires by twisting

After connecting the tinned wires by twisting, apply a little liquid rosin with a brush and solder. A slight movement of the soldering iron tip forward from the insulation and perfect soldering is ready. Why can you solder from insulation here, because soldering with liquid rosin occurs in a very short time and the wire insulation does not have time to burn. After soldering, the remaining rosin is washed off with a stiff brush and alcohol.

Liquid rosin

Visually you can determine the quality of soldering of electrical wiring and electronic boards: 1. Soldering must be skeletal, that is, the skeletal connection of wires and element leads must be visible.

2. Soldering must be glossy, without shells or bubbles.

Source: http://electricavdome.ru/kak-pravilno-payat-provoda-payalnikom.html

How to choose a soldering iron and solder for soldering wires?

Soldering wires is a traditional connection method in electronics and electrical engineering. It is used for both low-current circuits and high-voltage power circuits. Soldering is strong and durable and can withstand vibration loads.

How to use a soldering iron?

The essence of the process is to apply a drop of molten solder to the combined ends of conductors or leads of electronic components . Crystallizing, the solder firmly attaches to the metal and creates a permanent electrical connection.

In order for the solder to firmly connect to the cores or contacts, preparation is necessary. Contacts and wires are treated with special substances that destroy refractory oxide films and increase the miscibility of surfaces with liquid solder.

In addition, the soldering iron itself requires preparation. Its tip should be periodically cleaned with a file to remove carbon deposits and scale, and sharpened to give it the optimal shape.

The tinning operation is also very important . During this process, the surface of the tip and soldered contacts is covered with a thin layer of solder.

Peculiarities

The main feature of soldering copper wires with a soldering iron is the need to ensure high-quality mechanical contact of the connected cores and contacts.

To do this, twist their ends or hold them together using hands, tweezers, needle-nose pliers and solder clamps.

Methods for twisting cables. Below, in red, is the British twist.

Which type of twisting to choose is determined by the voltage and current that the solder joint must withstand, vibration loads, as well as a number of other features of future operation.

Cables subject to static or dynamic loads must consist of several cores . These veins are twisted in the British style.

Why is it impossible to use a very small soldering iron when soldering? The answer is simple: it does not have enough power to properly warm up the connection. A simple electric soldering iron works great. For large volumes of work, stations with adjustable tip temperature are used. The device is powered by an inverter. Preheating is sometimes done with a portable gas torch.

What will you need for the job?

In addition to the soldering iron, you will need solder, flux, a stand, and soldering clamps. To prepare the tip you need a small file or needle file.

To hold the heated cables, you will need tweezers or pliers.

Rosin and fluxes

Soldering copper wires will require preparation. The ends of the conductors are cleaned of mechanical impurities, traces of corrosion, oxide layer and, possibly, electrical varnish. This is done using chemical treatment.

The rosin is heated with a sting, and the heated end of the conductor is dipped into it. It is more convenient to use fluxes. They are a mixture of acids or alkalis. Containers with them are equipped with a brush for dosed application. Then the remaining flux paste will need to be removed so that it does not corrode the contacts and structures.

Rosin is used with all types of wire. Fluxes can be selected based on the cable material . Their composition is regulated by the relevant GOST.

For copper, tin-lead solders of the POS series are most often used. For aluminum, tin and zinc based substances are preferred.

To increase convenience, solders are produced in the form of a thin tube filled with an appropriate flux composition or rosin. In one motion, the solder picks up both solder and flux. In the past, fluxes were prepared independently. This required a crucible, a gas burner, chemical glassware and skills in handling chemical reagents.

Auxiliary tools and materials

For proper and high-quality soldering you will also need:

1. Supplied for soldering iron . It is convenient to place a hot tool on it.
2. Small file or needle file . Used for sharpening tips.
3. Tweezers or pliers . They are used to hold the tips and to protect the insulation from overheating.
4. Wire cutters . For cutting ends and stripping insulation. It is convenient to use a combination tool, with separate pullers for different wire diameters.
5. Alcohol and rags . For washing out flux residues.

In addition, you will need insulating tape or thermal caps of different sizes to insulate the connections.

Process

The technological process of creating solder joints is divided into several stages, for each simple step-by-step instructions are formulated.

Start with preparatory work:

• remove the insulation from the tip of the conductor;
• remove varnish and oxide film with a file or fine-grained sandpaper;
• the end should be light and have a matte shine;

The next stage is tinning:

• warm up the electric soldering iron;
• bring the tip of the wire to the rosin, heat it so that it is immersed in the melting and boiling rosin;
• pick up a small drop of solder with the tip of the sting and rub it over the tip of the wire, turning it to spread the melt evenly;
• the wire should have a silver color.

At the final stage, the wires are directly soldered:

• the tinned ends are combined and fixed together;
• if necessary, the ends are twisted;
• take a drop of solder onto the soldering iron tip and apply it with pressure to the soldering site;
• the joint heats up, the rosin melts and the solder melts;
• molten solder penetrates between the wires, covering them on all sides;
• continue to hold the conductors together until the primer hardens and becomes dull.

After cooling, the solder is insulated by covering it with electrical varnish, wrapping it with electrical tape, or putting on a heat-shrinkable cap.

Differences in technology when using flux

In the case of using soldering fluxes, the process is slightly modified.

Tinning: The stripped end of the wire is wetted with flux using a brush built into the cap. Immediately after this, the wire is heated with a soldering iron, onto which a drop of solder is collected.

Soldering twists: it is allowed not to deserve each wire separately. The twist is made, lubricated with flux, then the entire twist is immediately heated by the tip of the soldering iron on which the solder is collected. When heated, the active flux will remove the oxide film and make it possible to immediately carry out soldering.

After soldering twisted copper wires, you should wash the connection with an alcohol solution to remove the flux.

Stranded wires

Multicore wires that can withstand prolonged variable mechanical loads and vibration are soldered using technology.

Before tinning, the wire is untwisted so that the individual cores do not hide each other in the bundle and each one can be exposed to flux or rosin.

Next, the wires are tinned so that a thin layer of well-light solder appears on each one. After crystallization, the tinned veins need to be twisted together. In this case, it is important to maintain the twisting direction that was chosen during the manufacture of the wire . Otherwise, there will be a point where the veins are bent and broken, and the wire may come off under load.

Next, the stranded wire is soldered using the same technology as the single-core wire.

Is it possible to solder copper and aluminum?

No, you can't solder like that . Actually, the use of aluminum wires is not recommended by modern standards. It was decided to ban new installations of aluminum cables in residential buildings.

Where they are still preserved, they have to be connected to copper ones through contact blocks or other intermediate devices. A regular bolt with a nut and three steel washers will also work, between which the copper and aluminum cable will be separately clamped.

Of course, such a contact bolt must be well insulated.

Copper and aluminum have different coefficients of thermal volumetric expansion . This means that when heated, they will expand differently. Accordingly, after cooling they will narrow differently. In this case, mechanical forces will begin to act on the soldered joint, leading to its destruction. This effect will continue continuously every time the circuit is connected and current flows.

Wire tinning - how is it done?

Before soldering, remove the plastic insulation from the end of the wire. The copper wire to be tinned is exposed.

During tinning, the end is lubricated with flux and a thin layer of melt is rubbed over it with the tip of a soldering iron.

If rosin is used, then the bare end is dipped into boiling rosin with the tip of a soldering iron on which a drop of solder is collected.

A properly tinned conductor acquires a characteristic matte silver tint..

Multicore cables are unraveled and each wire is tinned separately. After this, the wires are twisted back in the same direction.

Soldering cores - do it yourself

Connecting high-quality tinned wires by soldering does not present any particular difficulties. The ends of the conductors are aligned and fixed with a solder clamp, tweezers, or twisted. A drop of solder is taken onto the tip, it is rubbed into the joint so that it fills the space between the wires, but does not form drips or frozen drops.

You need to hold the connection until it cools completely . Some craftsmen skip the tinning operation by twisting the cables in the junction box, dripping flux on them and immediately soldering them. The reliability and durability of soldering wires in a junction box without tinning is highly questionable. A good master does not neglect tinning.

The soldered connection must be reliably insulated.

Particularly thick wires are not soldered, but welded. For this, graphite electrodes and a special welding machine are used.

Source: https://svarka.guru/payka/tehnik/payalnik-i-pripoy-dlya-provodov.html

Choosing a soldering iron for soldering wires - what to look for? — Electro Help

You are here:One of the main tools for radio amateurs, DIYers and electricians is a soldering iron.

This product allows you to connect sections of LED strips, desolder radio components from boards, repair electrical appliances and do a bunch of other useful things.

Today there is a fairly large assortment of models, varying in functionality, operating principle and configuration. In this article we will tell readers of the Sam Electric website how to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires and microcircuits.

Main selection criteria

So, first, let's briefly look at the most important parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a soldering iron.

Heater type

First of all, devices are divided into electric and gas. First, let's talk about those that run on gas.

It is recommended to choose a gas soldering iron for soldering wires in junction boxes. It is convenient because it works offline, without electricity, which is important for electrical installation work. In addition, such a device can be used as a heat shrink hair dryer.

The disadvantages of gas devices include the difficulty of working with microcircuits, as well as the fact that when gas burns, substances harmful to the body are released into the atmosphere, so working with such a device for a long time is extremely dangerous to health.

It is advisable to choose an electric soldering iron for soldering microcircuits and the same wires, if there are no problems with the power supply. Electric models are divided into the following types:

1. Spiral. The cheapest, most practical and durable type of heater. The disadvantage is that it takes a long time to heat up, but this is not so important if you need to choose a soldering iron for your home.
2. Ceramic. More expensive and at the same time fragile (may stop working even with a slight impact). The advantage is that it heats up quickly. If your main goal is to choose a device that heats up quickly and strongly, a model with a ceramic heater will be the most optimal solution.
3. Pulse. Another design option that can heat up quickly. It is better to choose a pulse soldering iron for soldering microcircuits and for working with printed circuit boards. Such a tool will cost more and is used to a greater extent only for the listed works.

Separately, mention should be made of such an option as a soldering station. With its help, you can solder wires and microcircuits faster and better. For radio amateurs, choosing a soldering station will be the most optimal solution!

Power

As for choosing the power of an electric soldering iron, the following recommendations should be taken into account:

• power up to 10 W can be used for soldering simple microcircuits;
• from 20 to 40 W is the optimal power for domestic use;
• It is advisable to choose a 60-100 W model if you are going to solder wires;
• Home craftsmen should not use more than 100 W, because Such devices have their own specific scope of application (soldering of radiators, metal parts, etc.).

Additional features

Also, when choosing a soldering iron, you should pay attention to such points as:

1. The handle must be well protected from overheating. In this case, a wooden handle has the best performance. Plastic handles heat up faster, which interferes with smooth operation, and ebonite handles are heavier than their analogues, which also reduces ease of use, especially when soldering microcircuits.
2. The tip should be copper; it is easier to process and also easier to clean from carbon deposits. It is advisable that the kit includes a set of stings of different shapes. It is also good if it is possible to replace the tip or adjust its length. It is believed that a straight tip is the most convenient for work, especially for beginners.
3. The power cord must be flexible, long and always double insulated.
4. The plug for connecting to the network is better when it is dismountable. It seems like a small thing, but it still indicates the quality of the device and at the same time simplifies its repair.
5. Pay attention to the package. As a rule, high-quality soldering irons are supplied with a case, a stand for the tip, a sponge for cleaning the tip, etc.
6. We recommend choosing a soldering iron with a thermostat, which will allow you to adjust the heating temperature of the tip to suit your own conditions of use.
7. The constant temperature support function will protect the device from burnout.

That's all the advice we wanted to give you. As you can see, there are many nuances that you need to pay attention to when choosing a soldering iron for your home.

Let's sum it up

So, you have studied the main criteria by which you select a tool for soldering wires and microcircuits. Now let’s briefly summarize once again to consolidate what we have learned:

1. For printed circuit boards and microcircuits, it is better to choose a pulse or spiral soldering iron, but with a power of no more than 30 W.
2. For connecting wires and other electrical work, a gas or electric model with a power of 60 to 100 W is suitable.
3. To solder metal parts you need a powerful device (100 W or more).

We also recommend watching a useful video on the topic:

So we figured out how to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires and microcircuits. We hope the instructions provided helped you in choosing the right tool for home use!

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Source: https://elektriki23.ru/rekomendatsii/vybor-payalnika-dlya-pajki-provodov-na-chto-obratit-vnimanie.html

Selection of a soldering iron and other accessories for soldering radio components

When working with radio components - resistors, capacitors, diodes, various indicators, coils and many, many others - the main attention should be paid to the correct choice of a soldering iron suitable for a particular set of electronic parts and radio wiring.

The selection of a specific type of soldering device and other necessary soldering accessories is ultimately determined by the size and permissible thermal conditions of the radio components soldered into the board.

Selection of soldering irons for radio components

Before purchasing a soldering iron for radio components that is suitable for most cases, you need to familiarize yourself with the known types of these heating devices and the basic rules for choosing them based on power.

According to power indicator

Soldering radio components is a technological process in which standard electric soldering irons operating on a 220-volt power supply can be used. They are also used when it is necessary to connect not too thick bare copper conductors. The main operating parameter, in accordance with which soldering irons for radio components are selected, is their power, the values ​​of which can range from 24 to 500 Watts.

For soldering microcircuits and other miniature parts from a radio kit, it is recommended to limit yourself to the minimum power of a network soldering iron up to 24 watts.

Another important parameter that you should focus on when choosing a device connected through a step-down transformer is the voltage in the secondary winding, which supplies it with power.

In accordance with this indicator, all known types of soldering devices are divided into the following groups:

• USB soldering irons designed for a voltage of 5 Volts (8 Watts) and used for soldering small radioelements, microprocessors and similar chips;
• miniature products powered by a secondary winding with voltages of 12, 24 and 36 Volts. These soldering devices are intended for working with radio components in dangerous and especially dangerous conditions, where a voltage of 220 Volts is unacceptable due to safety regulations;
• standard 220 Volt soldering irons included in the stations and connected via a transformer to ensure electrical isolation.

The difference between these products in terms of supply voltage ultimately comes down to the selection of the same power sufficient to perform soldering work of a certain category. So, for soldering BGA and SMD type components, you should choose either USB soldering irons or product samples powered by a 12 Volt transformer. This list should include hot air guns for soldering radio components, which are specially designed for power and do not cause any harm to the radio components themselves.

In the case of soldering electronic circuit boards, infrared soldering stations and special heated soldering tables are used.

By type of heating element

In accordance with GOST, all known types of soldering devices according to the method of heating the working tip used in them are divided into the following categories:

• spiral (heating in them is carried out using a nichrome wire);
• ceramic soldering irons with a heated surface layer (without wire);
• soldering devices operating on the principle of pulsed heating;
• samples of soldering irons equipped with a special inductor.

Spiral systems are the most common type of electric heater; they provide the optimal balance in terms of price and quality. However, they are not without one very significant drawback, which is the low heating rate of the legs of the radio components.

In contrast, ceramic products are relatively more expensive and quite fragile, but at the same time they provide fairly rapid heating of a thin copper rod, and are excellent for soldering many types of radio components.

The pulsed method of powering the heating element, while being relatively expensive, is the optimal solution when it is necessary to choose a suitable option. This switching method ensures that the soldering iron quickly enters operating mode and is well protected from any mechanical influences.

Choosing the right tip

One of the most important factors that must be taken into account when choosing any soldering iron is its working tip. With all the variety of possible shapes and sizes of this element, its choice is largely determined by the individual preferences of the user.

If we do not take this factor into account, then for soldering radio components it is recommended to use a tip with the following characteristics:

1. The length of the heater rod should not be more than 3 millimeters.
2. As a starting material for its manufacture, preference should be given to pure copper.
3. The best option when choosing a tip is a copper base coated with a layer of aluminum, which does not require tinning and is practically not subject to burning.

In addition to the presented parameters of soldering rods, they may differ in their heat resistance. The most resistant of them are able to work for a long time under high-temperature heating conditions. The shape of the tip can be straight or curved, and its shape affects the ease of working with the soldering iron.

The most convenient option when selecting this element is to have a set of rods of various shapes, which are replaceable and can be adjusted in length. One of the rather important factors is the presence in the soldering station of a function to maintain the temperature level (thermostat), which stabilizes the heat of the tip in various operating modes.

A convenient and practical stand, as well as the presence of additional accessories, such as a soft cloth and a special needle file for cleaning the tip, will significantly simplify the work with the soldering device.

Selection of solder and flux

When working with radio components, it is important to choose suitable solder and flux for soldering, the use of which allows you to obtain a reliable and durable contact connection. It should be noted that when soldering SMD components mounted on a board and when reballing, special pastes are used that combine the properties of flux and solder. You also need a stencil that allows you to correctly apply this paste to the board.

Solder

When soldering radio components, a conventional (low-temperature) alloy can be used as solder, which turns into a liquid state already at a temperature of 200 degrees. The most common example of this type of alloy is solder under the designation POS-61, which contains 60 percent tin and the rest is lead. Its melting point ranges from 183 to 230 degrees.

POS-61 goes on sale in the form of thin wire, which is wound on a special reel.

For soldering small parts, it is more convenient to use thinner wire, which can be easily dosed; Moreover, the imported version is of the highest quality. Standard reel-to-reel products costing from 150 to 200 rubles fit this category. Such a typical coil of solder may well last for a year and a half (if used sparingly).

It is useful to stock up on a small amount of the so-called “Rose alloy”, the melting point of which is very low (not higher than 90-100 degrees). This alloy can be useful when dismantling radio components soldered into any modern boards.

Fluxes

When soldering, due to thermal heating, the legs of the parts oxidize, after which the solder is unable to completely wet their surfaces. To eliminate this harmful phenomenon, fluxes should be used that can dissolve the oxide film formed on them and improve the quality of soldering. This effect is widely used in such a common procedure as tinning. Fluxes are produced in a wide range, their choice depends on the metal being soldered.

When soldering radio components, rosin is often used, which is an ordinary purified resin. During soldering, first pry a small portion of solder onto the tip, after which it is dipped in rosin and immediately proceed directly to soldering (without waiting for it to evaporate). If you master the technique, you will be able to perform soldering work as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Source: https://svaring.com/soldering/platy/pajka-radiodetalej

Which soldering iron should I choose for soldering wires? — Machine tools, welding, metalworking

Any craftsman who often deals with electrical devices, cables and wiring in general must have a soldering iron in his arsenal. Some people store this device for years in a dusty box and use it as needed, while others work with this device on an ongoing basis. We will tell you in this article which soldering iron is better to choose for homework.

Manufacturers

The best devices have always been and will be made in Germany and Japan, and the most famous brands, which are distinguished by their reliability, requirements and quality, are Goot, Ersa, Hakko, Matrix and Weller. Using soldering irons from these manufacturers, you can always work with even the smallest details.

Moreover, soldering irons from these companies are used by both amateurs and beginners, as well as professionals. You can see photos of soldering irons in the article.

Design and operating principle

Like any other tool, a soldering iron has a special design, which includes a holder, a heater, a tip and a cord with a plug. The operating principle of this device is quite simple. When the plug is plugged into the outlet, the heating element heats up and transfers its energy to the tip.

The temperature at the tip of the tip reaches 450-500 degrees, which allows you to melt the solder in literally seconds. Solder can be tin, lead, copper, zinc, or an alloy containing several metals.

An electric soldering iron is designed to melt solder, which then flows into the cracks, which subsequently hardens and forms a tight connection.

Varieties

The most important question is how to choose a soldering iron, but it is even more important to understand the designs and operating principles of this device, since there are several types.

Nichrome

Nichrome filament is commonly used in electric soldering irons. This thread is usually made of nickel, since this material has high heat resistance. In standard devices, this thread envelops the body, the center of which is the rod. To insulate the heater, mica plates and fiberglass cloth are used.

The advantages include affordability, ease of operation and the ability to repair. Disadvantages include the duration of heating and fragility during intensive work, which takes a long time.

Ceramic

If we consider a real ceramic soldering iron, then its heating element will be made of ceramic, but modern manufacturers usually simply replace the insulator with a ceramic one. In the original design this will not happen, since the entire rod that heats up is made of several components that are molded into each other.

It is very important to choose an original tool, which differs visually in its internals, as well as at a higher price. The advantages of such devices are faster heating, high power, longer service life and durability under high loads.

But the disadvantages include high cost, frequent fakes, thrifty attitude, since ceramics tend to break from impacts, as well as the impossibility of using non-original tips.

Pulse

The first two types work only in one mode, which supports constant heating, while pulse mode only works when the button is pressed. The shape often looks like the letter “L”, since a special handle is required with which it would be convenient to press the button.

A distinctive feature of such a device is that the work should be insignificant and intermittent, that is, according to rare demand. It also heats up quickly, has high performance, and can solder both large and small components. However, such a device cannot be used for large-scale or long-term work.

Induction

It is considered the most modern solution, which is used more and more often. Heating occurs due to an induction coil and a magnetic field, so the structure of the device is significantly different from its counterparts. Very often you can find such a soldering iron with a regulator.

Excellent savings in energy consumption, maintains the required heating temperature, and the tip can be replaced with amazing ease. However, such a device costs much more, is part of a soldering complex and requires changing the type of tip at different temperatures.

There are also cordless, battery-powered and portable soldering irons powered by USB. When choosing, it is important to study the instructions on how to solder with a specific type of soldering iron.

Photos of the best soldering irons for home

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Source: https://stanki-info.com/kakoy-payalnik-vybrat-dlya-payki-provodov/

How to choose a soldering iron for soldering wires

A soldering iron is an indispensable tool for soldering various products. To achieve the desired result, you should take a responsible approach to your choice.

This is where you can buy products that meet all requirements. However, what should you pay attention to when choosing a soldering iron?

Features of buying a soldering iron

The size of the soldering iron determines its power level. If you need to solder wires, then you can buy the simplest product.

Voltage does not depend on power, so do not confuse these concepts. The soldering iron can work from a regular outlet, so you don’t have to work too hard.

The type of heater can also be different. The most common option is a special spiral, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the device.

You can also buy a soldering iron with a heater made of ceramic. However, these devices are quite capricious, because their structure is complex.

If the soldering iron suddenly falls, it may be damaged. Also, ceramic heating devices are quite expensive, so not everyone can afford such a purchase.

To avoid burning your hands while working, you should carefully inspect the handle of the soldering iron. It should be insulated from the part that gets hot, but don't opt ​​for a wooden element.

Solder tends to eat the tip, so signs of deformation may appear on the tip. You will not be able to solder the wires efficiently, and you can only get rid of them with a file.

This means that it is worth making a choice in favor of the solder that will ensure maximum efficiency of the work process. If this is not done, then after a while you will have to buy a new tool.

Advantages of ceramic soldering irons

You have figured out the features of choosing such a tool. And now it’s worth mentioning the advantages of products made from ceramics:

• such soldering irons will serve you for quite a long time;
• if you forget to turn off the product at night, nothing will happen to it;
• with the help of such soldering irons you can work with any material;
• the quality of work will pleasantly surprise you;
• It is very convenient to store ceramic soldering irons, because they do not take up too much space.

These are the main points that concern modern soldering irons. If you need to cope with the soldering of any product, then go to a specialized store or look at sites on the Internet where the highest quality models are presented.

Source: http://euroelectrica.ru/kak-vyibrat-payalnik-dlya-payki-provodov/

How to solder wires: wire soldering technology

06.05.2018

Having the skill of soldering wires with a soldering iron is a useful skill that is accessible even to humans. It is known that connecting a cable using twisted wires is unreliable, so it would be correct to make a strong connection using a soldering iron. Understanding how to properly solder wires will improve the quality of the job you do. The principle of operation of this device will be discussed using the example of soldering copper wires.

Choosing a tool for the job

Understanding which soldering iron to choose for soldering wires will help simplify further manipulations when working with this or that type of product. The most common types of soldering irons are:

• An electric soldering iron is a universal device for soldering wires, powered from the mains.
• Gasoline soldering machine - used for soldering jewelry. Using it, you can both disassemble and solder connections of steel and cast iron pipes at temperatures above 1 thousand degrees Celsius.
• A gas torch is a soldering device that operates using gas under pressure in a cylinder.
• Soldering gun - powered from the mains and is very powerful.

For soldering wires and electrical equipment at home, the most affordable option is suitable - an electric soldering iron. However, from this type of product it is worth highlighting some varieties:

• 40-60 W. They are used when working with printed circuit boards, thin fluids, microcircuits and electronic elements.
• 80-100 W. Used for wires with a core cross-sectional diameter of 1 mm.
• 100 W or more. Used for soldering thick-walled elements.

For home use, a low-power soldering iron of 40-60 W, and an average power device of 80-100 W are useful. This pair of tools is enough to fulfill the user's home needs. Preparing for work

When using a soldering iron for the first time, smoke often appears. This is due to the fact that the lubricants used in the production of the tool burn out. After turning off and completely cooling, the tip is cleaned of dirt. This procedure can be performed using a file or sandpaper.

Sharpening the tip

The next step is sharpening the tip of the sting. A file, hammer or sandpaper will do the job. Depending on what type of work the tool will be used for, the tip can be sharpened as follows:

• A spatula is a sharpening method in which the tip of the sting is similar to the tip of a flat-head screwdriver. This type of sharpening improves heat transfer and the contact area also increases.
• A sharp cone is used to accurately apply tin to small parts.
• Flat tip cone - for soldering larger conductors.

A universal sharpening method is with a spatula. If a hammer was used for sharpening, the copper will be compacted and the tip will retain its shape longer.

Soldering iron tinning

To prevent deformation, corrosion and wear of the tool tip, it must be tinned - apply a thin layer of tin. This procedure must be performed immediately when you turn it on for the first time, but after the smoke has stopped emitting. There are two main ways to tinning a sting: using a wooden block, or using table salt.

Tinning with a wooden block:

1. Warm up the tool to operating temperature.
2. Apply rosin to the bar.
3. Melt the solder and rub it into the bar and apply it to the tip.

Tinning with table salt:

1. Prepare a rag soaked in a solution of zinc chromium.
2. Run a soaked rag along the tip of the sting.
3. Grind the molten solder using a piece of table salt.

Additional materials for work

For strong and high-quality soldering of wires, it is recommended to first clean the soldering area from dirt and treat it with rosin or flux, since the wires will be soldered better when treated with them.

These substances perform the same functions - uniform distribution of solder over the materials being soldered and removal of the oxide film that impairs the strength of the connection. To solder wires, you can use either flux or rosin, depending on the type of material being soldered.

Additionally, for work you will need twisting tin solder, alcohol to remove excess flux, and electrical tape to insulate the wires. After preparing the materials, proceed directly to the soldering process.

Soldering with an electric soldering iron

When performing this work, it is important to follow the soldering technology with a soldering iron, do the operations step by step and repeat in the same sequence. Let's take a closer look at how to properly solder wires with a soldering iron using electrical wiring as an example:

1. To prepare for soldering, you will need to clear the insulation from the power wire; if the wire is multi-core, twist the wires, treat them with flux, and apply a layer of heated solder. It is important to apply flux to the tip and then dip it in tin to coat the tip with solder. Having completed these steps, proceed to tinning.
2. Tinning of wires occurs as follows: first, the bare wire is placed on the rosin, then the wire is heated with a soldering iron so that it is completely immersed in the rosin. Then a small drop of solder is taken onto the tip and applied to the prepared surface. For convenience and uniform distribution of solder, the wire is rotated around its axis. Having processed all the wires needed for further work, they proceed to soldering them.
3. To solder a wire, the wires are laid on top of each other and heated at the junction with a soldering iron. In this case, there should be a little solder on the tip of the tool. It is not recommended to move the wires during the soldering process, as this will lead to deterioration in the quality of the connection. When the tin spreads over the working surface, the soldering work is completed. The new connection is allowed to cool for some time so that it becomes stronger.
4. After cooling, it is recommended to insulate the adhesion sites. To do this, electrical tape is wound around the bare area, then a heat tube is installed on top of the electrical tape, which is heated with a lighter for a strong fixation. At this point, the process of soldering the electrical wire is considered complete.

Source: https://ObInstrumentah.info/kak-payat-provoda-tehnologiya-spajki-provodov/

Which soldering iron to choose for soldering wires

In this article we will talk to you about which soldering iron is best to choose for home soldering. A soldering iron is the main electrical tool for soldering materials. The reliability of the work performed, as well as the convenience of performing it, depends on its correct choice. Soldering irons vary in their design and power.

Rod devices come with ceramic and spiral heaters. Electric soldering irons with spiral heaters are practical and durable, but their downside is that they take a long time to warm up. Their ceramic counterparts heat up much faster, but at the same time they require very careful handling, since any mechanical impact will damage soldering irons of this type.

Soldering irons vary in power. Traditionally, devices of this power are used:

• power 3 - 10 W, soldering irons are designed for soldering very small microcircuits;
• power 20 - 40 W, considered household and amateur radio;
• power 60 - 100 W, used for soldering large cross-section wires;
• power 100 - 250 W, used for soldering dishes, car radiators and other large metal products.

It is worth understanding that the more powerful the soldering iron, the larger it is in size. For different jobs at home, it is advisable to have two soldering irons of different power. Most printed circuit boards and simple amateur radio homemade products can be soldered using a 25 - 40 W device with a straight or curved tip. For larger jobs, soldering irons rated at 100 watts or more should be used.

If you have soldering skills, then it is advisable to buy not just an electric soldering iron, but a soldering station, which has a number of advantages:

• adjustable heating range (the probability of burning out soldering elements is reduced to zero);
• maintaining a constant temperature of the tip (the tip does not burn out);
• An important feature of all soldering stations is the presence of a stand for the soldering iron (a necessary thing) and a bath for a cleaning sponge - if you don’t want to buy a station, you will look for these things separately.

Electric soldering stations increase the quality and speed of soldering several times. But in order to successfully take advantage of these benefits, you need to be able to solder well, and this requires many hours of practice and experience.

In order to master initial soldering skills, a soldering station is not needed; any ordinary soldering iron with a power of 25 - 40 W is sufficient. It is better to immediately purchase it with a temperature regulator (with a temperature sensor) or at least with a power regulator (without a temperature sensor). Do not immediately buy expensive equipment such as a soldering station or a soldering iron with a ceramic tip; learn from simple devices.

Soldering iron supply voltage

In many countries, the standard voltage for a single-phase network is 220 Volts, so electric soldering irons are designed for this voltage. If you look from a safety point of view, the device should have a voltage of no more than 36 V. For soldering in a closed metal space or in places where it is difficult to find an outlet, you can find a soldering iron with a power supply of 12/18/24 V or gas soldering irons.

Shape of the tip

This parameter is very important when choosing a soldering iron. Now a wide range of tips are offered for them - a spatula, a cone, a needle, etc. Which tip to choose is up to you: everyone is comfortable soldering with what they are used to. It is convenient, for example, to have a set of blades of different sizes. A correctly selected tip makes the job easier, so you should have several thin conical and flat tips and one wide flat tip for desoldering microcircuits.

Heat resistance of the tip

Another important characteristic of a soldering iron is the resistance of the tip to changes in its heating temperature. Because of this, they have to be changed very often. There are heat-resistant tips that are not afraid of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

In addition to the above criteria, there are several more points that you need to pay attention to when choosing an electric soldering iron. First of all, this is the thermal insulation of the handle, i.e.

how well the soldering iron handle is insulated from the heating part and the ability to adjust the length of the tip. Most often, the soldering iron tip can be adjusted using a screw on the body.

Unfortunately, not all soldering irons have tip stabilization technology, and you need to pay attention to this, because... with regular cleaning of the tip with a file, it decreases and this must be dealt with somehow.

Soldering iron stand

A switched-on electric soldering iron heats up to 300 °C, so it must be placed on a special stand. By doing this, you will comply with electrical and fire safety rules, which will not lead to disastrous consequences.

Soldering tool

Along with a soldering iron, it would be nice to have various accessories, as well as a special tool.

For soldering you will need the following tools:

• small wire cutters - for wires, parts leads and stripping of insulation;
• file - for cleaning the soldering iron tip;
• tweezers - so as not to burn your fingers;
• medical scalpel or stationery knife;
• a syringe needle with a blunt tip;
• thin awl.

As you gain experience in working with a soldering iron, this arsenal will gradually expand and modify.

Source: https://respect-kovka.com/kakoy-payalnik-vybrat-dlya-payki-provodov/

Preparation for soldering wires: soldering iron and everything else

» Electrician at the dacha.

Soldering is a reliable way to connect wires in electrical appliances or when installing electrical wiring. With the advent of WAGO quick-mount terminal blocks, this method has not lost its relevance due to its compactness and simplicity.

Technological minimum

Unlike welding, where the connection occurs due to the melting of the parts being connected, when soldering, the parts are connected with low-melting solder. In everyday life, tin-lead composition of the POS-40, POS-60 brands is used. The number at the end of the mark indicates the ratio of tin and lead in the alloy. To create stronger connections, bronze-based solders are used, and in jewelry, silver-based solders are used.

The metals being connected are covered with an oxide film. Fluxes are used to dissolve it. The most famous and widespread of them is rosin. An additional advantage of rosin is its relative (compared to other compounds) harmlessness. The use of ready-made solder pastes is widespread, mainly due to their ease of use.

Workplace and tools

The time spent setting up your workspace pays off in convenience, quality, and safety. Before you start soldering wires, prepare:

1. Soldering iron - what would soldering be without it?
2. Stand – you shouldn’t put a hot device anywhere. This can ruin the furniture, burn the carpet, and get burned yourself.
3. File for straightening and cleaning the tip. During operation, flux and solder corrode the soldering iron tip, and it must be cleaned from time to time.
4. Side cutters or pliers - for removing insulation. Special tools are produced for these purposes, but it makes sense to purchase one when large volumes of work are performed.
5. Tweezers or pliers - for holding the parts to be joined. During soldering, parts heat up, it is better to think about this in advance.

Choosing a soldering iron for soldering wires

Soldering connections are often used in fields of activity that are far from each other, from repairing primus stoves to repairing computers and smartphones. The soldering irons used for these purposes vary in power and type of heating.

• A nichrome heater is a “conventional”, most simple, unpretentious and inexpensive device. Power - from 10-15 W for electronics, up to 150-400 for tinsmiths.
• A ceramic heater is not fundamentally different from a nichrome heater, but it is smaller and more accurately maintains the temperature. If impacted, the ceramic heating element may break.
• Induction heating occurs in the ferromagnetic coating of the tip, due to the magnetic field induced by the coil. Maintains operating temperature without using a sensor or thermostat.
• Pulse heating is used in cases where short-term switching is required to perform soldering. The rest of the time the soldering iron is turned off.
• The gas soldering iron deserves a separate discussion. This is an autonomous device, the tip in which is heated by a flame of burning gas. Its main advantage is autonomy. This device can be used when repairing a car, working in the field, or at sites not connected to power supply. With the tip removed, it turns into a miniature gas burner.

For connecting wires, household work, and minor repairs, the best choice would be a soldering iron with a nichrome heater with a power of 40-60 W. For work with electronics, a lower power device with a ceramic heater is suitable. A gas soldering iron is worth purchasing if you intend to use the device away from electrical networks.

• How to connect electricity to your home
• How to connect the machine correctly

Source: http://samanka.ru/kak-vybrat-payalnik-dlya-pajki-provodov.html

How to choose a soldering iron for soldering pipes, microcircuits, radio components - Website about

The manufacture of various amateur devices, as well as simple repair work to replace radio components on various printed circuit boards, is inevitably associated with the soldering process.

At the same time, you need to understand that a soldering iron for microcircuits has certain differences from conventional devices of this type. Using an unsuitable device may cause electronic failure and damage to the board.

Therefore, you need to carefully consider his choice.

Design

Soldering irons for microcircuits have a number of differences:

• The tip of the soldering iron is called the tip. This is the main working part. From it, or more precisely from its shape and size, it is determined for what specific purposes this or that device serves.
• Another factor by which you can recognize this type of soldering tool is the size of the device itself. Small jobs require a soldering iron that is compact, lightweight, and easy to control. Standard devices are too crude for this.
• The power of a soldering iron for soldering microcircuits is also quite low. This is to ensure that the tip does not reach too high a temperature. This may harm circuit components.

Soldering iron design

Characteristics

Technical characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a tool:

• Power. In the case of soldering irons for circuits, the power value should not exceed 10 W. This parameter affects the performance and safety of electrical elements. This approach is used when installing a circuit. If elements are being removed from the board and their safety is not important, then a high power value will facilitate the process.

Important! Powerful devices can only be used by experienced radio amateurs who are able to perform work accurately and quickly without causing overheating of the elements.

Devices of various power

• The voltage required to operate. High voltage from the network, equal to 220 V, can also damage parts. For this reason, the soldering iron is connected through a step-down transformer, which, depending on the model, produces either 12 or 36 V. When choosing a product, it is best to take a kit that already includes a transformer or power supply, so as not to purchase it separately.
• The thickness of the tip also plays an important role. For conventional instruments it is about 5 mm. For micro-soldering tools, a value of up to 3 mm is considered normal. Replacement tips are most often sold separately, but there are kits that also include them.

Various soldering iron attachments

• The presence of a thermostat allows you to choose a comfortable temperature regime for each type of installation. This reduces the risk of element damage and also makes the work process more convenient and efficient. Typically, more expensive models are equipped with a thermostat.

Heaters of various types

User manual

There are often nuances in work that need to be corrected. The main points will be discussed below.

Soldering chips

When operating microcircuits and chips, it is necessary, first of all, to exclude the possibility of overheating of the chip. To do this, you need to touch each of its contacts for no more than three seconds. After this, the contact must be cooled and only then can the soldering process be carried out again.

Before soldering, the chip contacts are prepared and processed by applying a thin layer of solder to them, which will improve contact with the surface. Flux is applied to the legs of the element and a tip with solder is passed over them. If the procedure is carried out correctly, the contact will be shiny and smooth, without various accumulations of solder.

Various types of microcircuits

Pin chips

If the chip has leads in the form of pins, then the process of soldering it into the board occurs as follows:

1. The microcircuit is installed in special holes in the surface of the board.
2. On the opposite (back) side, flux is applied to the pin contacts.
3. Each pin is soldered on the same reverse side.
4. Remains of flux are removed.

Pin chip

Soic chips

Chips of this type are soldered slightly differently. This method is most often called "solder wave". Its essence is that molten solder in a liquid state fills the space between the metallized part of the board and the contacts of the part. This creates a drop that is capable of conducting electrical impulses.

The solder wave method is performed in the following few steps:

1. Tin and moisten with flux all surfaces that will provide contact.
2. Place the microcircuit on the surface of the board so that all the legs are aligned with the metallized tracks.
3. To begin with, you need to solder only one corner contact.
4. Next, the second contact is soldered, located diagonally in relation to the first. In this case, you need to make sure that all other contacts remain on their metal tracks.
5. Next, flux is applied to all soldered and free ends of the microcircuit.
6. Next, using the tip, the solder is evenly distributed over the contacts.
7. If solder bridges form between the contacts, you must remove them, as the jumpers will interfere with the operation of the components. Removal occurs using a special metal braid. To do this, place it on top of the jumper and pass it with the tip of a soldering iron. In this case, the solder is absorbed into the braid.

Important! When performing soldering using the “wave solder” method, there must be a sufficient amount of flux at the places where soldering is carried out directly to ensure wetting of the surfaces.

Source: https://nzmetallspb.ru/stanki/kak-vybrat-payalnik-dlya-pajki-trub-mikroshem-radiodetalej.html