Soldering is performed to join two or more workpieces together by melting a solder into the joint.
Equipment required for soldering:
1- Soldering iron (soldering station): is a widely used tool which by creating the heat in its metal tip, melt a solder (filler metal) between two or more workpieces in order to create a permanent connection after cooling.
- 15 to 30 watt
- Ordinary soldering irons on the market can provide temperature from 200° to 480°C for soldering.
2- Soldering gun: is used when more heat is required than soldering iron (low power).
3- Solder wire: is a fusible metal alloy which used to join two or more work pieces together under supplied heat by soldering iron.
- Solder has a lower melting point than the metals being joined.
- Solders normally melt at approximately 185°C (between 180°C and 190°C)
- Resistant to oxidation
- Resistant to corrosion
4- Soldering iron stand (holder): normally when technicians don't use hot soldering iron for a short time during their soldering, need a small stand for holding to keep it away from flammable materials.
5- Vacuum pickup tool (de-soldering pump)
6- Soldering tweezer
7- Wet cellulose suction sponge: to wipe the iron tip.
8- Soldering flux: for cleaning of oxidized iron tip.
Note: Brush, sandpaper and so on can be used for cleaning, but with care to not scratching the iron tip.
9- Hot air de-soldering station (hot air gun)
10- Interchangeable soldering iron tips (bits)
Soldering iron types:
1- Electric soldering iron (with cord): heat is generated by passing an electric current through a resistive heating element.
- Simple soldering iron
- Temperature controlled soldering iron
2- Cordless electric soldering iron by battery or USB charging
3- Cordless gas-fired soldering iron: heat is generated by combustion of gas (e.g. butane) stored in a small self-contained tank.
Soldering applications:
- Electronics assembly
- Electrical installation and wiring
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