Vectronics VEC-1500K - Manual (Page 24)

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Too Much Heat: When the iron is too hot, you may observe more smoke and
an increase in flux spattering. You may also begin to see de-wetting because
flux is burning off rather than coating and protecting the connection area. Worst
of all, the iron may begin delaminating and lifting pads and traces off the PC
board! If this happens, get a lower-power iron or turn down the heat fast--before
irreversible damage destroys the board!
LESSON 5
Soldering Iron Tips
Manufacturers provide a wide range of tips to go with the irons they sell, and
choosing the right tip can be as important as choosing the right iron! Here's a
brief survey of the more popular tips in use today:
Screwdriver Tip: The screwdriver tip provides a wedge-shape that's especially
handy for working on boards and terminals with flat areas. The extra width
provided by the blade improves contact area and promotes rapid heat transfer. A
long shank with a narrow blade stores and delivers less heat, favoring
miniaturized applications. A short shank with a broad tip stores more heat and
delivers it more rapidly for larger components or broad PC land areas. The one
you choose depends on the kind of work you do.
Chisel Tip: This variation on the screwdriver is wedged on one side only--
providing a large contact area and fast heat delivery to flat surfaces.
Conical Tip: Shaped like a cone, these tips concentrate heat toward one spot for
"pin-point" soldering. Conical tips work especially well for platethrough type
PC boards, where heat is focused on a small solderable eyelet imbedded in the
PC board. Conical tips also work well for soldering miniature connectors and
terminals. Long and skinny conical tips deliver thermal energy at a slower rate
than short stocky conical tips. Short cones deliver thermal energy faster for
heating large component leads, eyelets, and heavy terminal areas.
Short Medium
Long
Conical Screwdriver Chisel
Short
Broad Medium Long
Narrow