Vectronics VEC-1500K - Manual (Page 23)

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relatively small and run continuously, regulated element are larger and turn off
as soon as the iron reaches a pre-set tip temperature. This limits the amount of
thermal energy stored in the tip, preventing damage to sensitive components and
circuit board pads. As tip contact is made with the cool surface of a connection,
the thermostat senses a temperature drop and applies full power on the heating
element. The larger element contributes significantly more thermal energy to the
tip than would be available from a smaller unregulated element. As a result, the
regulated iron can solder larger connections and recover more quickly than its
unregulated counterpart.
By the same token, a regulated iron with a continuously-adjustable thermostat
offers even more flexibility than one with a fixed-temperature thermostat.
Adjustable thermostats may be used to establish the quantity of thermal energy
stored in the tip. For extremely fine work, reducing the temperature control
below normal settings reduces the amount of stored thermal energy, protecting
small PC board pads and temperature-sensitive parts from damage. By the same
token, increasing the temperature control above normal increases the amount of
thermal energy stored for big jobs.
TEMP
PWR
ON
800
700
600
TEMP
PWR
ON
800
700
600
TEMP
PWR
ON
800
700
600
A. Temperatures 600-F and below
are best for miniature work--less
likely to damage small parts and
delicate pc-board soldering pads. B. Temperatures around 700-F
are best for general pc-board
work--enough energy to solder
quickly without damaging board. C. Highest temperatures are
reserved for larger connections
and large land areas on pc boards.
Use caution to prevent damage.
In the end, unregulated and regulated irons are both capable of doing a good job.
However, the size of the unregulated iron you select--or the way you adjust your
soldering station's heat controls--can make a big difference in how well you
perform as a craftsman!
Here are some signs that will help you recognize when it's time to make a
change:
Too Little Heat: When your iron fails to deliver enough thermal energy, solder
may melt slowly, incompletely, or not at all. If solder is melting at the point of
iron contact, but not beyond, find a more powerful iron or crank up the
thermostat! A properly heated solder connection flows outward--wetting the
entire area.