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8. Soldering
a) Soldering iron
• Select the temperature according to the soldering process you want to perform. In any case, the temperature must
be higher than the melting point of the solder.
To ensure that the solder melts quickly and flows smoothly, the temperature of the soldering station should be set
to at least 50 °C higher than the melting point of the solder.
Soldering for excessively long periods may damage many types of components due to prolonged heat
exposure. It is therefore advisable to select a higher soldering tip temperature to keep the soldering
process as short as possible.
However, selecting an excessive temperature can also cause problems (e.g. damage components).
• If you need to heat large quantities of solder (e.g. for a large soldering joint or a soldering joint that dissipates heat,
such as a cooling plate), you can set a higher temperature.
• After setting the desired temperature, the product requires a few seconds until the soldering tip reaches the desired
temperature.
• As soon as the temperature is reached, remove the soldering iron from the soldering iron holder.
Risk of burns!
Only hold the soldering iron by the plastic handle. Never touch the hot tip or the metal shaft.
• The solder should melt instantly upon contact with the soldering tip. Rising smoke is caused by evaporating flux
contained inside the solder.
• For larger soldering joints, increase the temperature to speed up the soldering process.
Only use the highest temperature setting for as long as necessary to avoid overloading the soldering tip.
• Reduce the temperature of the soldering iron during breaks. This saves energy and prolongs the lifespan of the
soldering tip.
• Always place the soldering iron into the soldering iron holder when it is heating up and cooling down and when you
are not soldering.
• Make sure that the soldering tip is well coated with tin when taking breaks or before switching the soldering station
off.
• Ensure that the soldering contacts on the workpiece are clean. Only use solder designed for electronic work. Acidic
solder may damage the soldering tip or the work piece.
• Heat the soldering joint with soldering tip and apply the solder at the same time. Remove the solder from the
soldering joint. Then, remove the soldering tip. Complete the soldering process quickly to avoid damaging the
workpiece (e.g. dislocated conductors or overheating components).
• Allow the soldering joint to cool down. Depending on the size of the soldering joint, it may take 1–2 seconds for
the solder to harden. During this time, do not move the soldered component to prevent the formation of a so-called
cold soldering joint.
The solder joint has a dull silver appearance, does not provide good electrical contact nor mechanical fixation.
A correctly soldered joint should shine in a similar way to chrome.
