Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations
Desoldering is the process of removing solder. It is used to repair, replace, and salvage in a variety of applications. Special equipment and tools are available for this process.
There are two main types of stations: traditional desoldering stations and hot air rework stations. They are available in analog and digital versions. A variety of nozzle and tip sizes and styles are available to meet a range of needs.
Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations Applications
- Remove solder with simple push-button operation
- Rework printed circuit boards
- Solder and desolder components and connectors mounted on PC boards
- Troubleshoot, salvage, and replacement
Types of Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations
- Desoldering Station. This is the classic style. These stations come in a variety of styles and sizes. They are easy to use and clean. Pencil–style and/or gun-style desoldering tools are usually used on these stations. Some come with a built in vacuum pump
- Hot Air Rework Station. These stations are ideal for small jobs such as soldering and desoldering small surface mount chip components, heating heat-shrink tubing, and other local heating operations. These systems allow you to desolder and solder using the same station
- Pencil-style Tool. Pencil-style tools tend to have a lower wattage than gun tools and are ideal for smaller items such as light gauge wire and small semiconductor devices
- Gun-style Tool. Desoldering gun-style tools usually have a high wattage, and they feature a “trigger” switch. They work well on items such as heavy gauge wire
- Air Blower Tool. The air blower tool completely removes any solder remaining in through-holes.
Key Features of Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations to Consider
- Removes solder with simple push-button operation
- Durable metal frame
- Built-in air pump
- Digital temperature display
- Zero crossover switching on motor
- ESD-safe by design
- Allows operators the choice of either gun or pencil desoldering without having to purchase a separate station
- Compatible with LEAD-FREE solder
- Solder flow is time-controlled and temperature-controlled
- Soldering and desoldering cycles are automatic and precise
- Built-in locator light pinpoints the exact position for placing components
- Lockout keycard to enter temperature settings into the system memory to prevent accidental or unauthorized temperature changes
This video demonstrates Hakko FM204-01 Desoldering Station and FM204-CP Conversion Port Desoldering and Soldering Station. Some of its key features include a built-in vacuum pump, lockout keycard, sleep mode functionality, gun-style or pencil-style desoldering tool, and more. It is just one of the desoldering systems available.
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
- Plumbing
- Electronics
- Metalwork
- Food and beverage
- Roof flashing
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Household appliances
- Troubleshooting, replacement, and salvage
Types of Soldering Equipment
- 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
- Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations. Desoldering is the process of removing solder. It is used to repair, replace, and salvage in a variety of applications
- Dispensing Equipment. Dispensing equipment is used to dispense solder paste
- Fume Extraction. Fume extraction devices are used to absorb widespread smoke and/or smoke around equipment users
- 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
- 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
- Nozzles. Soldering nozzles are used on hot air pencils and with rework stations. They transfer the heat to the connection point
- Pre-Heater. Pre-heaters provide fast, efficient underside heating and reduce the possibility of thermal damage to sensitive components
- 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
- 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
- Soldering Stands. Soldering stands hold many different types of soldering irons. They make soldering and desoldering easier
- Static Control. Static control equipment protects users and equipment from static charge
- 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
- ESD-safe by design
- Compatible with LEAD-FREE solder
- Lockout keycard
- UL, cUL, CSA, and/or CE electrical safety approvals
- Durable and easy to use