Soldering irons are used to melt a metal such as solder to join components together. The devices consist of a heated metal tip and an insulated handle. The heat is usually a result of electricity that flows through a resistance heating element. Soldering irons are not all the same, depending on the application, certain types are more particularly suited. Here is an overview:
- Soldering needle — power from 5 to 15 W: These are special soldering irons to solder fine wires and for fine work, for example on traces and tiny SMD components. Soldering needles are particularly small, so they can also be used in a confined space.
- Fine soldering iron — 15 to 30 W: These soldering irons also predestined for fine soldering are in their element when it comes to small and medium size soldering. Application examples are working on distribution boxes, the assembly of printed circuit boards and soldering in model construction. Fine soldering irons are small, easy to use and inexpensive. For this reason they are a good choice for beginners. Just like soldering needles, fine soldering irons are usually supplied with low voltage. This means they can also operate with slight under or over temperature.
- Universal soldering iron — 30 to 60 W: Universal soldering irons can be equipped with different soldering tips so that they can handle almost any task. However, due to their size, they are not as handy as smaller irons and therefore not so good for fine work. They are not always strong enough to quickly solder thick wires. As the only soldering iron in the house for occasional use, universal soldering irons are, however, the best option. Universal soldering irons generally work with 230 V, so they can do without their own power supply and be directly connected to the electrical socket. While this is convenient, it means it is not possible to control the temperature.
- Temperature-controlled soldering iron — 30 to 60 W: Temperature-controlled soldering irons have an electronically controlled heating element. It prevents temperatures rising too high and thus the solder joints getting too hot, for this reason these irons are suitable especially for fine soldering work in the laboratory. Temperature-controlled soldering irons have either a built-in temperature sensor or the electrical resistance of the heating wire is used for the temperature calculation. Disadvantage: Soldering irons with temperature control are relatively expensive.
- Large soldering iron > 60 W: These irons are specialists for rough work on thick cables, solar cells and batteries.
Cordless soldering iron: Cordless soldering irons can be powered by gas or batteries. They are used when there is no power connection in the vicinity. Due to the low performance they are usually only used in emergencies.
Item image: Fotolia, 53132636, Artalis-Kartographie
