When you' are happy to get a new soldering tip, install it, turn on the power, and adjust the temperature to make it ready for work. Yes ,some users often neglect to protect the new soldering tip.
Before using the new solder iron tip for the first time, please set the temperature to 250 °C when turning on the soldering iron. After the pre-tinning melts, clean it with a cleaning sponge. If you are using solder wire with flux, add the solder wire directly. If you need to use an external flux, dip it in the flux first and then immediately add the solder you are using. No matter what kind of solder wire it is, when adding solder, be sure to apply it evenly so that the soldering tip will take solder easily and it will be easier to use over time and time. Then please adjust the temperature to the required specification. The purpose of doing this is to form a protective film on the tin layer of the soldering tip to prevent the new soldering tip from being oxidized directly at high temperatures. Please remember that Keeping a tin layer on the soldering tip at all times is an important thing for maintaining the soldering tips.
Methods for Extending the Service Life of New Soldering Tips
The soldering iron should not be kept at a high temperature (referring to a temperature higher than 300 °C) for a long time,or it will oxidize fast , which will not only affect its service life but also make it difficult to apply solder and the soldering tip will not take solder .
When the soldering tip is oxidized and burned to be black, it is forbidden to grind it with a file or sandpaper, because it will damage its electroplated metal and reduce its service life. The correct method is to add solder and wipe it by a damp (but not dripping) soldering sponge repeatedly until the soldering tip regains its metallic luster. First, please use solder with flux to remove the oxide. If it cannot be removed, repeat the process of adding solder, wiping, adding solder, and wiping until there is no oxide layer, and then apply new solder. After all the operations are completed, new solder should be applied to the soldering tip.
When the welding temperature is higher than 350 °C and the work is suspended for more than 1 hour, the soldering tip should be frequently tinned.
Before turning off the soldering station, do not remove the solder on the soldering tip. This excess solder will protect the tinned surface when the soldering tip is reheated and prevent it from oxidation.
Precautions for Storing Used Soldering Tips
When there is no work, make sure that there is a tin layer protection on the soldering tip. When welding, the operator should not scratch the board. The amount of water on the sponge used to wipe the soldering tip should be appropriate. Wipe the tips with the sponge before welding operations and do not wipe it after the operations are completed, or the soldering iron tip will be oxidized. Usually, the soldering tip should not be collided with hard objects to prevent the surface coating of the soldering tip from being damaged. When we found that there are dirt, paint coverage, or oxidation on the solder pads during work, we should clean it first before welding. It is prohibited to use the soldering tip to heat plastic items, as it will not only reduce the service life of the soldering tip but also produce pungent smoke that is harmful to human health.
Clean the soldering tip with a cleaning sponge.
Wrap the soldering tip with solder.
Turn off the power and wait for the soldering tip to cool down.
Put the soldering iron handle into the soldering iron holder.
