Metcal Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations
Metcal offers many models of soldering and rework equipment, each available in multiple configurations and with many optional accessories. This Buyer’s Guide will provide an overview of each series, along with information on accessory and tip selection.
Two channel soldering / rework systems
Metcal offers several two channel systems. These vary in functionality, power, as well as the ability for both channels to be used simultaneously.
The following systems have channels that can be used at the same time:
- MX-5200
- 80 watts of power
- Uses MX series hand tools
- MFR-2200
- 60 watts of power
- Uses MFR series hand tools
- CV-5210
- 80 watts of power
- Connection Validation model
The following are two channel systems where the channels cannot be used simultaneously:
- MX-500
- 40 watts of power
- Uses MX series hand tools
- MFR-1300
- 60 watts of power
- Uses MFR series hand tools
- Has vacuum desoldering
- Contains electric pump – shop air not required
Single channel soldering / rework systems
For users not requiring two channels, Metcal also offers single channel systems.
- PS-900
- 60 watts of power
- Also has model designed for the solar industry
- MFR-1100
- 60 watts of power
- Uses MFR series hand tools
Hot air systems
Metcal makes several hot air systems, which vary in functionality and feature sets.
- HCT-1000
- Digital controls
- 600 watts
- HCT-900
- Analog controls
- 320 watts of power
- HCT2-200
- Digital controls
- 200 watts of power
- Designed for use with small packages (1206 and smaller)
Tips, lots of them
Most Metcal systems are compatible with several hundred tips. Selecting the correct one for your application can seem confusing at first, but it’s not difficult once you know how their part numbering works.
Metcal products utilize their “Smart Heat” technology, operating around a fixed temperature point. Unlike many other systems on the market, temperature on most Metcal systems is dictated by the tip – it is not entered on the front of the unit (this does not apply to the hot air units). So, if you wanted to work at 675°F, you would use a 600 series tip because they work at 675°F. If you wanted to work at 775°F, it would be a 700 series.
The part numbers all follow the same naming scheme – they will have the tip model, then the temperature, then the identifier for the specific geometry. For example:
- Tip model = STTC
- Temperature needed = 575°F (500 series)
- Specific tip identifier
- STTC-501
On each system’s page, you will see compatible tips listed in multiple areas. First, they will be linked at the top of the page in the Features section, to the right of the picture. Next, they will be in Q&A section in the middle of the page. In the Documents section (also in the middle of the page), there will be PDFs showing part numbers, diagrams and dimensional information.