Velleman VTSS5 User Manual
Page 5
VTSS5
V. 03 – 20/06/2012
5
©Velleman nv
5.4
Operation
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Prerequisite for clean joints is the use of suited solder and a correct use of the soldering station. We
recommend the use of solder with a resin flux core. Halogen containing solder should not be used in
any case. Before the first uses, you should tin the new soldering tip. Switch on the soldering station
and apply some solder to the soldering tip at a temperature of 200°C (temperature controller
between scale 2 and 3). Perfect joints are only possible at the right soldering temperature. When the
soldering temperature is too low, the solder will not melt enough causing unclean (cold) soldering
points. At too high temperatures, the solder will burn and the tin-solder will not flow. Moreover there
is the danger of damaging the PCB or the components. Only when the temperature of the soldering
tip is perfectly adapted to the solder will you have clean joints.
•
The most common soldering alloys used in the electronics industry consist of 60% tin and 40% lead.
The operating temperature of this type of solder is detailed below and can vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer. However, to meet RoHS requirements, these solders are no longer allowed and are
replaced by lead-free solders that require a working temperature which is ±30°C (54°F) higher.
leaded solder
lead-free
Melting point
215°C (419°F)
220°C (428°F)
Normal Operation
270-320°C (518-608°F)
300-360°C (572-680°F)
Production Line Operation
320-380°C (608-716°F)
360-410°C (680-770°F)
•
The included soldering tip consists of copper-plated iron. Used correctly, the soldering tip has a long
durability. Clean the tip immediately before use by rubbing it on the moist sponge. By doing so
residues of unevaporated solder, oxides or other impurities will be removed.
•
Before you put the soldering iron back into the holder, you should clean it again and apply some
fresh solder. It is important to keep the tip covered with some solder as it will become passive, not
accepting any more solder after a while.
5.5
Use
Do not press too hard on the tip while soldering: this does not improve the heat transfer and may
damage the tip.
6.
Tip maintenance
•
The soldering uses extremely high temperatures. Make sure that the unit is switched off for
maintenance purposes.
•
Remove the tip and clean it after heavy or moderate use. We recommend cleaning the tip daily if the
station is used frequently.
•
Always tin the tip before returning it to the holder, prior to turning off the station or to storing it for
long periods of time. Wipe the tip on a wet sponge or use our tip cleaner (ref. VTSTC) before
activating the device.
•
Using excessive temperatures (more than 400°C or 750°F) will shorten the life span of the tip.
•
Do not exercise excessive pressure on the tip while soldering, as this may cause damage to the tip.
•
Never clean the tip with a file or with abrasive materials.
•
Do not use flux containing chloride or acid. Use only resinous fluxes.
•
If an oxide film has formed, you should remove it by buffing carefully with a 600-800 grit emery
cloth or by using isopropyl alcohol and consequently applying a new protective layer of solder.
•
Wet the sponge with nothing but water.
IMPORTANT
Remove and clean the tip daily. Remove excess solder from the barrel nut assembly when installing a
new tip.
7.
Maintenance
Note: Always shut off the soldering station and disconnect it from the mains before cleaning and
changing the soldering tip. Make sure the soldering iron has cooled down and has reached room
temperature; otherwise it can cause severe burns! Damage to the soldering station may occur if the
system is left on and the removed tip has not been replaced.