User manual

Universal soldering iron
Universal soldering irons are slightly larger. Their power consumption is between 20 and
40 W. They are particularly suitable for hobby and craft use. They can also be used well
for electronics soldering. They are also the first choice if you want to assemble simple to
medium electronics kits.
Standard soldering iron
Standard soldering irons consume about 50 to 150 W and are already too large for elec-
tronics hobbyists and handicrafts enthusiasts. They have an angled soldering tip. With
their large dimensions and high heat output, they are not suitable for fine soldering work.
They are therefore not suitable for electronics soldering.
Soldering stations
Soldering stations are meant for stationary use in a workshop. They consist of the actual
soldering iron and a control unit where the soldering temperature can be set between
about 150 °C and 450 °C. These are fine soldering irons optimised for electronics use.
Therefore, soldering stations are mainly found in advanced electronics enthusiast work-
shops.
3.3 Soldering Equipment
Soldering will always require some solder. Tin solders are used the most often. Their
melting point is at 330 °C. When heated, the tin solder first changes from firm to mushy
condition, then melts.
Several solders still contain lead, even though leaded solders are no longer permitted for
use in the electronics area since 1 July 2006. Lead is dangerous to health and pollutes the
environment. Nevertheless, leaded solders are still permissible for private use and lim-
ited industrial uses.
In addition to the soldering iron, you will also need some equipment to solder. One piece
of equipment is the soldering iron stand. It is used to securely deposit the hot soldering
iron. It consists of a stable base and a solid metal coil into which the soldering iron is put
when not in use.
13