A fairly common tool that is used in everyday life and industry is an electric soldering iron. It is required for carrying out the most various jobs, which is used in repairing electrical equipment and soldering wires. In order to choose the most suitable option execution of the device in question, you need to understand the features of its design and basic parameters.
Reliability and long term operation is determined by the simplicity of the design in question. The electrical circuit is represented by a combination of the following elements:
- The power source, which is often the household power supply network. Also on sale you can find portable versions with a built-in power supply.
- A plug with a wire is required if the structure is powered from a household network.
- The heating working part of the soldering iron is a wire spiral. It converts electricity into thermal energy, due to which the elements being processed are heated during soldering.
Operating principle electrical diagram pretty simple. The heating part of the soldering iron is a spiral of nichrome wire, when current passes through it, the winding is heated. Heat is transferred to the soldering iron tip through a special conductive element.
Modern soldering iron implementations may differ slightly. However, their basic elements are almost identical. The soldering iron device can be characterized as follows:
- The main element of the design is the heating rod, on which there is a transformer winding.
- To retain heat and increase efficiency value the rod is inserted into a special insulating tube. Heat-resistant fiberglass fabric is used in its production.
- Depending on the power value, several layers can be used insulating material.
The rod is inserted into a special insulating shell, and for safe use of the device there is a dielectric handle. As a rule, the handle is made of heat-resistant plastic or wood; the use of metal is not allowed.
In the manufacture of the tip, red copper is often used, as it ensures rapid heat transfer from the source to the actuating element of the structure. In addition, the working element must withstand exposure to high temperatures, which is sufficient to heat the metal being processed.
The distribution of solder over the surface is accomplished by the tip of the tool. That is why it is made in a wedge shape. Its length may vary significantly, it all depends on the area of application of the device and its purpose.
Soldering iron supply voltage
When considering the types of soldering irons, you should also pay attention to what the recommended power voltage is. As a rule, most household models that can be used for soldering microcircuits can operate from a standard 220 Volt network. This is due to the use of a transformer. The voltage of 220V may be too high for some devices. An example is cases where switching power supplies must be used.
The distinctive features of power supplies for pulsed soldering irons include the following:
- The heating element is the secondary winding.
- Design features ensure rapid heating of the tip.
- Low power consumption.
- Some models allow you to adjust the power indicator in a narrow range.
Pulse soldering iron circuits can differ significantly, which is largely due to which company produces the product. An example is the numerous Chinese models characterized by low reliability.
Soldering iron heating power
The power of the soldering iron can also vary over a fairly wide range. This indicator is considered one of the most important and is taken into account when selecting a more suitable model. The heating temperature and some other characteristics also depend on this indicator. The main recommendations for selection include the following points:
- A device with a power rating of no more than 25 watts is suitable for working with small microcircuits. This is quite enough for soldering small elements. It is worth considering that too high a power rating can lead to the fact that the microcircuit may melt during operation.
- For soldering thick wires, devices with a power rating of 40 watts are used. The temperature that can be obtained at such an indicator is quite sufficient to solve basic problems.
As a rule, with an increase in the indicator under consideration, the cost of the product increases significantly. This is due to design problems that arise at the time of production of the device.
Soldering iron rewind
When repairing a purchased tool or creating it yourself, you have to wind the wire. Before actually performing the work, it is quite important to correctly carry out the appropriate calculations, since the most suitable wire is selected depending on the resistance, power and voltage of the power source. The required indicators can be calculated using various special tables.
After calculating the required parameters, the most suitable wire for them is selected. For this purpose, a special table can also be used, which defines the ratio of the main parameters. The nichrome composition is a combination of chromium and nickel, due to which the manufactured element can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius.
The winding process involves tightly packing the turns. It is worth considering that when heated to high temperatures, the material in question becomes coated with oxide.
Asbestos, fiberglass or mica can be used as insulation material. Among the performance qualities of asbestos, it can be noted that it can be soaked with water, taking a plastic form; it is quite easy to spread over the surface. When using it, it is worth considering that wet asbestos is capable of conducting electricity. Therefore, the soldering iron should be turned on only after the insulating material has completely dried.
In conclusion, we note that the fairly simple design of the soldering iron allows you to make it yourself.
A homemade version will not be much inferior to a purchased one if you make the device according to common recommendations.
If the reader is faced with the question of purchasing a soldering iron, then talking about its purpose, structure, and operating principle is a waste of time. Considering that the range of products is significant, and the classification of products according to various parameters is quite complex, it is the process of choosing a soldering iron for homework that is a real problem for many.
This is what we focus the reader’s attention on. The information below will help you buy the right model of soldering iron, the further use of which at the household level will not cause any special problems.
The author first “met” a soldering iron over four decades ago. Since then, both in his work and in everyday life, he has not parted with him. Consequently, he can not only have his own opinion, but also express it. The reader will probably not agree with certain provisions, and this is quite understandable. However, all recommendations are not just “literary processing” of other people’s thoughts. They based on personal experience author and tested by practice.
Options for special stations, products for splicing plastic, battery, and gas pipes are not considered. These are separate and extensive topics; moreover, such soldering irons have a somewhat limited scope of use. That is, the term “for home” can be applied to them with great reservations.
Heating element
It can be spiral-shaped and ceramic. The latter type is positioned as one of the innovations in the field of electrical and radio installation, and is actively advertised by manufacturers. What is the difference, and which option is preferable to choose?
Ceramic – With the higher cost of these soldering irons, durability is not guaranteed. The main reason is the fragility of the element. Such models are better suited for use in specialized workshops, laboratories, in a word, where all work area fits on a specialized table. These soldering irons are sensitive to shock, so it is hardly advisable to purchase them for home use.
The spiral is a long-time-tested design of the heating element. The author sees only advantages - the possibility of repair by replacing it, changing the power of the soldering iron (if necessary) by decreasing (increasing) the length of the spiral. For someone who knows the elementary laws of physics and can independently make calculations, this is not a problem. And such models are cheaper than ceramic analogues.
sting
This structural element can vary in shape and shade. What to choose?
The best option is a direct sting. This form is considered universal in use and is suitable for almost any technological operation.
The color of the sting can be silver or reddish. A copper-based tip is easier to process. It is easier to remove layers (carbon deposits) from it, sharpen it as needed for a specific job, and bend it if necessary.
Possibility of adjusting the length of the protrusion from the body. A very useful “option” that allows you to extend the service life of the tip without replacing it with a new one.
Soldering iron handle
There are 3 manufacturing options. It is not the form that is meant, but the material.
Plastics. Light weight is a plus, quick warming up is a minus, and a very significant one at that. You won’t be able to hold such a soldering iron in your hands for a long time when it’s plugged in.
Ebonite. The only drawback of these pens is that they are heavy. If you use a high-power soldering iron, for example, a 200 W so-called “dart”, this is not important. But it’s definitely not suitable for a miniature instrument used for radio editing.
Wood. For home - best option. These handles do not overheat and are lightweight. Perhaps someone will note such a flaw as unpresentable appearance. But how important is this for a soldering iron?
Power cord
First, its length should be sufficient so as not to create inconvenience when using the tool.
The second is the flexibility of the cord. During operation, the soldering iron is given different positions. This is what you need to check - how the cord will “react”, whether it will become a hindrance.
The third is isolation. Double protection, from a TB point of view, is much better.
The fourth is a fork. Nowadays they are mostly plastic, which makes them impossible to repair. After all, one of the main “diseases” of soldering irons is a break (fracture) of the wire strands in the plug area, since the tool constantly changes its spatial position. But if it is collapsible, then restoring the functionality of the product is easy.
According to technical characteristics and scope of application
What does this mean? Power, supply voltage and type of soldering iron. When determining the parameters for each item, it is necessary to take into account for what purpose it is purchased. From these positions we will consider all the characteristics.
For working with printed circuit boards
What is special about this installation? It is quite dense, and it is difficult to work with a regular tip. Plus to this is the “tenderness” of the tracks on the boards. The slightest overheating leads to their detachment. Therefore, when choosing a soldering iron specifically for radio installation, it is advisable to choose a pulse model. If you purchase a rod one, then only complete it with a power supply. At its outputs (and there are at least two of them) the voltages are low. Depending on the manufacturer - from 6 to 24 V.
Such a soldering iron cannot be the main one for the home, since its use is specific, only for printed circuit boards.
You can also choose a 220 V rod soldering iron, but with less power - 25 W. They won’t be able to do all the “household” jobs, but it will be suitable for most of them. However, radio installation with such a soldering iron can only be carried out by a professional, specially sharpening the tip, and then, as a last resort, in the absence of another tool at hand.
When working with printed circuit boards, using a soldering iron without a ground connection is not recommended. Significant interference can cause breakdown of capacitors and failure of microcircuits, which often happens in practice. Even if it has a power supply, the latter must be grounded.
For wide application
Here for the home, in terms of voltage, there is no particular choice - only from a socket, 220. But in terms of power, opinions differ - from 25 to 80. The author recommends using a 65 W soldering iron. It is universal for household use.
For garage
As a rule, in a home “mini-workshop” the car owner does (cables) and similar work that requires heating the metal to a high temperature. Here, an ordinary rod sample, even at 80 - 100 W, is unlikely to help. It is better to choose a 200 W soldering iron. It has already been mentioned. In addition to the name “dart,” this model for home use is often called an “electric hammer” (based on its shape). For “rough” soldering it is an indispensable thing.
Experience shows that there should be at least 2 soldering irons in the house. The main one is at 65 (40)/220, and the additional one (s) is depending on the hobbies (hobbies, etc.) of the owner.
The soldering iron tip must be removable. This is what you should pay attention to. The fact is that during operation (especially intensive) its length gradually decreases. Soldering irons with a non-replaceable tip (and there are also such ones) are essentially a “disposable” tool.
But this is only one reason for such close attention to this design feature. The second is that in everyday life you have to do various types works related to soldering, and there is usually only one corresponding tool at home. Therefore, the ability to change the tip will make solving some problems much easier.
Equipment. It's all about the same sting - there must be another one. The author advises doing the following - the one that was originally installed in the soldering iron does not need to be touched. But it’s advisable to work with a spare.
What to do:
Bend the tip about ⅓ of the length, at an angle of approximately 55 - 65º. This is not difficult to determine visually if you understand why it is being done. The first tip will come in handy if you need to tin something, solder 2 wires, and so on. But the second, curved one, is more convenient for “spot” soldering. For example, fix a thin wire on the contact plate. Anyone who has repaired Christmas tree garlands on their own knows how troublesome this is.
The curved part must be turned into a cone along its entire length. As a result, we get a thin tip of the tip, which is easy to even repair printed circuit boards.
It is advisable to purchase a soldering iron not separately, but complete with a stand. It contains a microswitch that re-switches the circuit. In the working position of the tool, 220 V is supplied to the heating element, and when it is installed on a stand, power is supplied through a diode. This prevents the soldering iron from overheating and extends its service life.
In principle, the information is comprehensive, and it is quite enough to make the optimal choice of soldering iron based on the tasks to be solved at home.
The main tool for a radio amateur is a soldering iron. This is a small device used for soldering and tinning. It easily allows you to create a permanent connection and reliable electrical contact. There are a large number of such products, differing both in design and principle of operation, so it can be difficult to select a soldering iron, even if the necessary characteristics have been determined.
Purpose and types
A soldering iron is a tool designed to connect parts by heating them. In addition, with its help, the reverse operation is also carried out - separating elements. The working part of the tool, which transfers heat, is traditionally called the tip, due to the design features of the first products.
The principle of soldering is as follows: the tip of the device heats up in various ways to a high temperature, and then this heat is transferred by contact or non-contact method to the place where the connection is formed. Since the melting of the leads of radio components or conductors is accompanied by high temperature, low-melting solder and flux are introduced as a binder.
The latter is designed to protect soldering from oxidation and remove various oxides from the surface of soldered elements, as well as reduce surface tension and improve solder spreading. A mixture of lead and tin in different percentages is used as a low-melting substance.
By type, the instrument is divided into devices with periodic and constant heating. The first type is represented by the simplest devices with a long metal rod and a shaped tip. They require an external heat source, such as a flame, to operate. gas burner or a gasoline heating pad. It is not difficult to choose this type of soldering iron for your home, since their only characteristic is the size of the tip. For modern soldering work, this type of tool is no longer used, except for “patching” pans.
Devices with constant heating are available with different design features and the principle of operation, but they are all united by the essence used in the work - the transformation of electrical energy into thermal energy. They are divided into the following types:
- rod;
- pulse;
- induction;
- air;
- infrared.
Device characteristics
Each electric tool is characterized by its own parameters, and the soldering iron is no exception. When choosing a device, both technical and quality characteristics are studied. The former determine the scope of application of the tool in certain conditions, and the latter determine the reliability and ease of use. To the main technical parameters soldering devices include:
In addition, the devices may include convenient features such as workplace illumination, built-in suction, energy saving and overheat protection. Often, the products come with sets of various tips or attachments, as well as a stand.
contact tool
Contact products usually include a tool whose tip touches the material, and the temperature on the rod is maintained constantly. The operating principle of such devices is to generate heat on a nichrome spiral. It is wound around a heat-conducting material in a spiral. A tip made of copper, characterized by a high degree of thermal conductivity, is tightly inserted into the middle of this substance, so all the heat from the element is transferred to it.
A variety are pulse-type devices. But their peculiarity is that heating does not occur constantly, but only when powerful impulses occur caused by the user. The classic shape of the tool resembles a pistol grip with a trigger button for your finger. When you click on it, it appears short circuit in the transformer winding, and the released energy instantly heats the tip to the desired temperature.
Contact soldering irons are the most common types produced. This is explained by the low price, simplicity of design and large selection of power. At the same time, they are convenient to work with due to their small size and ease of execution, so consumers who are not professionally involved in electronics, when deciding which soldering iron to choose for their home, often give preference to a contact tool.
Soldering without contact
Non-contact products include soldering irons that can heat the joint without direct contact with it. Such abilities are possessed by: gas devices, hot air guns and infrared stations.
Gas ones are devices made in the form of a pencil, but larger in size. They have a nozzle and gas cylinder, located in the handle. A piezoelectric element is used to ignite the gas. The heating temperature is regulated by changing the gas flow rate with the regulator. The product usually comes with soldering and air tips. The device is refilled through a valve using a cylinder. This type of tool is compact and mobile, but is more suitable for use as a mini heating pad than a full-fledged soldering iron.
Hot-air soldering irons are similar in principle to ordinary household hair dryers. But unlike them, they are capable of heating objects exposed to their air flow to very high temperatures. Their main element is a heater made of nichrome wire with a cross-section of 0.4–0.8 mm. The spiral is located on a cylindrical quartz base. A fan is used to pump air. This soldering iron is convenient to use when working with SMD installations.
Infrared heating systems are the most advanced soldering methods in the professional field. The principle of their operation is to use radiation of electromagnetic waves with a length of 2−8 microns. This radiation affects crystal lattice substance, begins to rock its atoms, thereby forcing the release of its internal thermal energy.
There are ceramic and quartz emitters. The former allow soldering in the invisible spectrum, while being characterized by reliable operation and long service life. The latter can be dangerous for vision, so it is better not to even consider them for use at home.
Nuances of choice
Before deciding which soldering iron is best to choose, you should decide on the tasks that will be solved with it. For everyday tasks related to soldering radio elements or tinning wires, optimal choice there will be a classic soldering iron. Its advantages are its low price and small convenient size. But it also has disadvantages - it takes a long time to prepare, and the design does not imply intensive use.
The situation is a little better with ceramic devices. Due to the use of ceramics, the heater is better able to withstand loads and is able to produce more power with the same dimensions as a classic tungsten tool. In addition, they often have a thermocouple built into them to prevent the device from overheating. A pulse soldering iron is more suitable for working with large radio components or tinning thick wires. It is characterized by high efficiency, but at the same time its price is several times higher than conventional models.
If the tasks involve working with SMD installation, then you cannot do without using a hot-air device or an infrared station (IR). With the help of a hair dryer and all kinds of attachments for it, you can remove and install microcircuits of any size, but tinning a wire with it is very inconvenient. The same is true for IR heating. But such stations are produced for professional use, their use is justified when repairing mobile equipment and computers.
Heater power
Soldering irons are available in various capacities, so it is quite difficult for an ignorant person to determine the required value of this parameter. Power tools up to 40 W are used for soldering using tin-lead solders. It is often used by electricians and electromechanics. A device of 100 watts or more is used when working with massive parts, so for most work that has to be done in everyday life and amateur radio, a device from 65 to 80 watts is suitable.
A good option would be to buy a soldering iron with a thermostat. This device is not only convenient for setting the temperature, but it can also protect the soldering iron from burnout. It should be remembered that for soldering elements with a large contact area, you need a device with high power, and not high temperature.
As for choosing a hair dryer, the main indicator will be: temperature range and air flow speed. In order for the device to fully satisfy the consumer, the soldering gun must be able to regulate the temperature in the range of 100−600 °C and provide a flow of up to 120 l/m.
Related factors
First of all, this includes the ergonomics of the device. Even if you have already decided which soldering iron to buy, you should still try how it feels in your hand. After all, soldering is associated with tense moments, and the inconvenience of positioning the tool in the hand will lead to trembling and deterioration in the quality of the connection. The device holder can be made of rubber, wood or plastic. The best option would be wood - it has low thermal conductivity and is light weight.
It is worth paying attention to the length of the cord, as well as its cross-section. The latter must correspond to the power of the product. The most common are devices operating on an alternating voltage of 220 volts, but low-voltage devices are also found. Their advantage is additional protection against damage electric shock, since they are powered through a low-voltage transformer.
Many users use a soldering iron in conjunction with a thyristor regulator - dimmer. Although its use allows you to regulate power, it at the same time provokes the appearance of voltage pulses that damage microcontrollers and devices with an insulated gate.
As for the attachments and stings, they are considered consumables and if the quality of those included in the kit is not satisfactory, you can always purchase better ones at retail. The material for the sting can be used:
- copper or its alloys;
- copper with nickel, aluminum or silver plating.
A copper tip is characterized by high thermal conductivity and rapid oxidation, while a coated tip does not burn, but is afraid of overheating.
Thus, the best option for rare use there will be an electric soldering iron with a power of about 75 watts, with a cord length of at least 60 cm and with a ceramic tube. But if you are interested in amateur radio and repairing planar boards, you should think about purchasing a soldering station that includes a hair dryer and a soldering iron.
When connecting wires and microcircuit elements, not a single radio amateur or simply a skilled owner can do without a soldering iron. The abundance of modern models in different configurations on store shelves rather immerses you in doubt than makes it easier to choose the required device. It will be easier to understand if you first familiarize yourself with the main criteria, advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Types of soldering irons
Soldering devices are divided into several types, which differ in both structural elements and purpose:
Electric soldering irons
Equipped with ceramic/coil heaters. This is the simplest and most affordable type of device. The design consists of a handle, a body with a tip and a heating element inside. The shape of the tip can be in different designs: needle-shaped, cut at one or two angles, quadrangular, curved. The type of tip is selected depending on the task at hand and the materials being processed.
Another type of electric soldering irons are pulse-type devices. Their cost is slightly higher, however, this is justified by the convenience and quality of soldering on printed circuit boards and microcircuits. The operating mode is activated by pressing and holding the start button.
In just a few seconds the tip heats up to the desired temperature. Modern models equipped with power and heating regulators, which allows soldering not only small, but also large parts.
Electric models are easy to use, just plug into a power outlet (voltage 220 V) and install temperature regime(if the model has a thermostat). They have simple design, if necessary, you can repair the damage yourself.
The power range (from 25 to 200 watts) makes it possible to choose the best option. Pulse soldering irons are also economical, because energy consumption occurs only when the button is pressed. However, it is worth considering that cheap devices quickly burn out. Repairing them is not cost-effective; it is easier to get rid of a broken device. The defect of the pulse device is the absence fine tuning temperature.
Modern models of electric soldering irons are equipped with power and heating controls, which allows you to solder not only small, but also large parts
Induction soldering irons
They operate using an inductor coil. The tip of the device is coated with a ferromagnetic composition, which ensures automatic maintenance of the tip temperature in a certain range, without requiring technical support from control electronics and a thermostat.
The cartridge is a thin tube, which, combined with lightweight antistatic material, makes the handle quite ergonomic. When working with such a device, your hand does not strain much, and the design allows you to perform soldering more accurately.
Induction soldering irons have practically no disadvantages, but experts note that all the difficulties in performing the work are associated with the lack of a thermostat.
Hot air devices
They operate by supplying a stream of hot air through a ceramic or spiral heater into the nozzle. Devices of this type are divided into compressor and turbine. The temperature of the supplied jet reaches high levels (100-500°C).
The advantage of these soldering irons is the formation of a large air flow, which makes it possible to solder parts of different sizes. In addition, the cost of such devices is low.
The disadvantages include: a strong flow can blow parts off the workbench, as well as uneven heating of the surface. It is also worth noting that you will need to change attachments to perform different jobs.
Gas devices
Equipped with a burner. It is very convenient to use such soldering irons in places where there is no electrical network. Compact dimensions and low weight make it possible to perform soldering practically in the field. Open fire is used to connect two surfaces. Refueling is carried out using a regular gas cartridge.
One of the advantages is the autonomy of the device. Among the disadvantages: emissions of combustion products into the atmosphere, fire hazard, the need to replace nozzles depending on the planned work.
It is very convenient to use gas soldering irons in places where there is no electrical network
Represents the most ancient appearance. In modern versions it can be electric or heated over an open fire. The design is a pen with a thick tip, hence the name. Basically, such devices are used for soldering large parts, large-section wires, pipes, and tins.
The main advantages are accessibility self-made and power corresponding electrical appliances at 100-150 watts. The disadvantages are the lack of temperature control and limitations in use.
The design is a pen with a thick tip, hence the name
Device selection
When choosing a soldering iron, you should carefully read technical characteristics and operating features. There are important criteria that a quality device must meet.
It is worth remembering that purchasing a powerful device (over 100 W) for household needs is impractical
Operating rules
It is easy to learn how to use a soldering iron, but even the simplest types of work have rules, the observance of which guarantees a high-quality connection of elements and a long service life of the device.
First of all, you should get necessary materials and tools, the use of which will ensure strong soldering. The main components are solder and flux.
In addition you will need:
The list can be supplemented with other auxiliary tools, depending on the work being performed.
Before turning on the device, you should study the instructions and strictly follow its points. When performing work, the following rules are observed:
- Work must be done away from hot gases and flammable mixtures;
- do not direct the hot stream at a person;
- avoid mechanical impacts with the sting on a hard surface;
- do not touch the soldering iron with wet hands;
- do not immerse the tip in water to quickly cool;
- when choosing a temperature regime for soldering, you need to take into account the thermal conductivity of the material being processed;
- in case of contamination of the working element, carry out cleaning and irradiation in a timely manner;
- use high-quality flux, it is this that determines the ease of soldering metals;
- The surfaces to be treated must be degreased before joining.
The main thing during operation is not to overheat the soldering iron. This will shorten its service life. Choose only good quality consumables.
After soldering, the device remains on the fireproof stand until it cools completely. Before placing in the case, the working parts should be cleaned.
If you need to replace any element of the soldering iron, you should use only original spare parts. Experts do not recommend modifying the device; this can lead to electric shock or failure of the device.
- If you plan to buy a soldering iron for household needs, a model with a power of 25 to 40 watts (connection to a 220 V network) is suitable. The device will help extend the wires, connect the antenna or speaker cable, solder connectors to it, solder the microcircuit. But the device is not recommended for frequent use, because it quickly breaks down due to frequent cleaning and sharpening. In addition, such a tool can easily damage elements that are sensitive to static electricity.
- Soldering irons connected to a 220 V network often overheat. A regular dimmer switch will help correct the situation. It is enough to connect a wire with a plug and a socket to it, and fix the box itself to the plywood. Thus, the Dimmer turns into a soldering iron tip temperature regulator.
- When choosing a model, you should give preference to those whose plug connected to the network is collapsible. This will make repairs easier.
- The soldering iron wire must be flexible and double insulated. It is better if its length exceeds 1-1.2 m, then it will be more comfortable to connect and use the device.
- If radio engineering work is carried out on a regular basis, then preference should be given to soldering stations. Their design prevents overheating, and the design consists of stands for a soldering iron and components.