■ Before starting soldering
First, wet the cleaning sponge completely, and then squeeze out water till there is no water drop down from the sponge. The soldering tip can be cleaned by the wet sponge most effectively. The soldering tip may be damaged if we use the dry cleaning sponge.
When we are doing soldering work, the following soldering working sequence can protect the soldering tip and reduce the oxidation rate.
■ After finishing soldering work
First, adjust the temperature to about 250 °C, then clean the soldering tip, and then apply a new layer of solder as protection. (If a non-temperature-controlled soldering iron is used, cut off the power first and let the temperature of the soldering tip drop slightly before applying solder.)
■ Try to use low-temperature soldering as much as possible
High temperatures will accelerate the oxidation of the soldering tip and shorten its lifespan. If the temperature of the soldering tip is up than 470 °C, its oxidation rate will be twice that at 380 °C.
■ Don't apply excessive pressure
During soldering, please don't apply excessive pressure, otherwise the soldering tip may be damaged and deformed. As long as the soldering tip cancontact the solder joint fully, heat can be transferred successfully. In addition, the appropriate soldering tip can also help with heat transfer.
■ Always keep the soldering tip tinned
This can reduce the chance of oxidation of the soldering tip and make it more durable. Please wait until the temperature of the soldering tip drops slightly before applying new solder after finishing the soldering, so that the tin plating layer has a better anti-oxidation effect.
■ Keep the soldering tip clean and clean oxides immediately
If there are black oxides on the soldering tip, the soldering tip may fail to take solder. In this case, cleaning must be carried out immediately. Before cleaning, adjust the temperature of the soldering tip to about 250 °C first, then use the cleaning sponge to clean the soldering tip, and then apply solder. Repeat these actions until the oxides are removed.
■ Choose a flux with low activity
A flux with high activity or strong corrosiveness will accelerate the corrosion of the soldering tip when heated, so we should choose a flux with low corrosiveness .
■ Place the soldering iron on the soldering iron stand
When the soldering iron is not in use, it should be carefully placed on a suitable soldering iron stand to avoid damage to the soldering tip .
■ Choose the appropriate soldering tip
It is very important to choose the correct size and shape of the soldering tip. Choosing the appropriate soldering tip can make the work more efficient and increase the durability of the soldering tip. the wrong soldering tip will affect the soldering iron's performance, and of course, the welding quality will also be reduced .
