Eclipse Tools Soldering Equipment
Soldering is the process of bonding two or more metal items by filling the joint with a material called solder. It differs from welding because the pieces being joined are not melted. Instead, the filler metal is melted and flowed into the joint.
The basic solder equipment needed is a solder iron and a soldering station. However, there are many options and accessories available to meet a variety of needs. When purchasing soldering equipment, it is important to remember two things:
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Temperature range and variable control are key. These features will help improve soldering, so be sure to consider the temperature range and variable control when choosing a soldering station
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Keep extra nozzles and tips on hand. These are inexpensive and consumable. It is easier and more cost effective to purchase extra in advance rather than place another order and pay for shipping in the future
Soldering Equipment is used by professionals as well as hobbyist, and it comes in a large range of sizes and styles to meet a variety needs.
Soldering Equipment Applications
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Soldering chassis, dynamos, large harnesses, transformers, large components and assemblies, stained glass panels and lead came
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Soldering circuit boards, small electric parts, radio controls, and more
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Soldering connectors and heavier wiring connections
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Repairing electric household appliances
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Soldering radio controls
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Can be used as a branding tool or cattle prod
Types of Soldering Equipment
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Analog Soldering Station. These stations are often designed for soldering and desoldering, and they are capable of many of the same applications as digital soldering stations. Applications include production, rework, and repair
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Digital Soldering Station. In addition to the features and applications similar to those offered by analog soldering stations, digital soldering stations provide a digital readout as well as better temperature control. Applications include production, rework and repair
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Soldering Pencil and Parts. Soldering pencils are ideal for small jobs. Soldering pencils come in a variety of sizes and styles such as screwdriver tips, long conical, and more. Extra parts, such as heating elements, barrel nuts, and spare tips, are available
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Soldering Gun. Soldering guns come in a variety of sizes and styles. They feature a looped tip and “trigger” switch. Extra parts are available
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Soldering Irons. Soldering irons come in a variety of sizes and styles. They feature a heated tip and insulated handle. Applications include installation, repairs, and limited production work. Extra parts are available
Key Features of Soldering Equipment to Consider
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Microprocessor controlled with digital LED display
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Allows you to read temperature setting and actual tip temperature
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Designed for continuous production soldering
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Can switch between °F and °C
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UL, cUL, CSA, and/or CE electrical safety approvals
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ESD safe to protect sensitive components
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Stainless steel modular plug-in heater for greater efficiency and versatility
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Alloy-coated iron tips ensure long-lasting protection from corrosion
Ceramic Heater vs. Wire Wound Heater
Most soldering irons are produced using a wire wound heating element, similar to the heating element of toasters, it causes resistance along the wire, and with resistance, heat.
But recently, manufacturers have developed a new ceramic heating element, designed to use much less energy, and wattage. This ceramic element passes the electricity right to the tip of the element providing heat right onto the tip.
Considering that the ceramic heaters are considerably smaller manufacturers have redesigned the iron so the heating element fits inside the tip, while the wire wound models have the element on the outside of the tip. The
ceramic element heats up five times faster than the wire wound option. Learn more in this video where ceramic heater and wire wound heater heating times are compared.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXC7fOXw5MA
Background on Soldering Equipment
Soldering is the process of bonding two or more metal items by filling the joint with a material called solder. It differs from welding because the pieces being joined are not melted. Instead, the filler metal is melted and flowed into the joint.
The basic solder equipment needed is a solder iron and a soldering station. However, there are many options and accessories available to meet a variety of soldering needs. When purchasing soldering equipment, it is important to remember two things:
-
Temperature and variable control are key. These features will help improve soldering, so be sure to consider the temperature ranges and variable control when choosing a soldering station
-
Keep extra nozzles and tips on hand. These are inexpensive and consumable. It is easier and more cost effective to purchase extras in advance rather than place another order and pay for shipping in the future
Soldering equipment is used by professionals as well as hobbyists. One of the benefits of soldering is that the process is reasonably permanent but reversible. Desoldering tools are available to remove unwanted solder.
Soldering Equipment Applications
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Plumbing
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Electronics
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Metalwork
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Food and beverage
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Roof flashing
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Automotive
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Aerospace
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Household appliances
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Troubleshooting, replacement, and salvage
Types of Soldering Equipment
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BGA Rework Station. BGA rework stations are used for the manual alignment, replacement, or removal of BGA, μBGA, CSP, and other surface mount components with repeatable solder reflow profiles
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Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations. Desoldering is the process of removing solder. It is used to repair, replace, and salvage in a variety of applications
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Dispensing Equipment. Dispensing equipment is used to dispense solder paste
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Fume Extraction. Fume extraction devices are used to absorb widespread smoke and/or smoke around equipment users
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Hot Air Guns. Hot air guns are used for efficient drying as well as heat-shrinking, thawing frozen pipes, heating liquids, bending materials, and more
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Lead Forming Equipment. This equipment is used during the process of lead forming, which involves bending component leads so that they can be inserted into holes or surface-mounted on a circuit board
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Nozzles. Soldering nozzles are used on hot air pencils and with rework stations. They transfer the heat to the connection point
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Pre-Heater. Pre-heaters provide fast, efficient underside heating and reduce the possibility of thermal damage to sensitive components
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Soldering Equipment. Soldering is the process of bonding two or more metal items by filling the joint with a material called solder. Available equipment includes soldering stations and soldering guns, irons, and pencils
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Soldering Pots. Soldering pots are portable devices used to melt solder and for dip soldering small items as well as tinning the ends of wire leads
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Soldering Stands. Soldering stands hold many different types of soldering irons. They make soldering and desoldering easier
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Static Control. Static control equipment protects users and equipment from static charge
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Tips. Soldering tips transfer the heat to the connection point. They are essential to the soldering process and come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs
Key Features of Soldering Equipment to Consider
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ESD-safe by design
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Compatible with LEAD-FREE solder
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Lockout keycard
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UL, cUL, CSA, and/or CE electrical safety approvals
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Durable and easy to use