Vectronics VEC-1500K - Manual (Page 26)

21
LESSON 6
Tip and Iron Maintenance
Soldering irons are subjected to the natural forces of oxidation, corrosion, and
metal fatigue--but at a greatly accelerated rate due to high operating
temperatures! To fight the forces of deterioration, irons require frequent
inspections and maintenance. Inspections are needed because irons rarely "quit
cold" when the get tired. Most often, performance will deteriorate slowly.
Those "perfect connections" that used to seem routine will become progressively
more difficult to make! When this happens, you could be experiencing a "bad
bench day". However, it's far more likely your soldering iron and tip are
overdue for some serious TLC!
Caring for Tips: If you keep your tips clean and well-tinned, they'll take good
care of you. Here are some suggestions for getting the best performance:
1. Always use a cleaning sponge. A thoroughly dampened cleaning sponge is
the best way to clean your tip prior to making connections. Heat-resistant
iron or pencil stands with built-in sponge trays are inexpensive--and they're a
"must" for every bench! If the water in your area has a high mineral content,
use distilled water--otherwise, water-born minerals may bond with the iron
electroplating in the tip and contaminate it. Also, don't neglect your NiCd or
butane-powered irons--these tips should be clean, too!
2. Always clean your tip before making the connection--never after! Tip
cleanings remove old contaminated solder so it won't mix in with the "new
stuff" you're about to apply. However, once a tip is sponge-cleaned, only a
very thin layer of solder remains. If you don't reinforce this thin coating
quickly--either by making a connection or by re-tinning the iron--it will
oxidize and may cause your tip to de-wet! To prevent de-wetting, always
leave your iron with a healthy protective coating of fresh solder between
connections--and coat it especially well before shutting down. Never sponge-
clean and shut down.
3. Some solders are tougher on tips than others. When using small-diameter
or low-flux solders, check the condition of your tip frequently. These solders
often fail to deliver sufficient flux to maintain good tinning! To prevent de-
wetting, apply supplemental flux and keep the tip well coated with solder
between connections. Also, be aware that highly-activated rosin and organic
water-soluble fluxes are more corrosive than less aggressive types, and
regular use may mean more frequent tip replacements. This is a normal
condition, so don't avoid using aggressive fluxes to save your tips! Just keep
a closer eye on their condition.