What should be noted for lead-free soldering? What should be noted when choosing a soldering iron tip?
At present, the usage of lead-free soldering in the market has exceeded that of lead soldering. So, what should be paid attention to when using lead-free soldering?
① Temperature management of soldering iron tips
If the soldering station is of temperature regulating type, a thermometer needs to be used to measure the temperature of the soldering iron tip before starting work. At the same time, it is very important to choose the most suitable soldering iron tip temperature setting based on the solder used.
If it is a constant temperature soldering station, such as a METCAL soldering station, the temperature measurement step can be omitted, and the soldering iron tip with the corresponding temperature can be selected for use.
② Original and legitimate soldering iron tips must be used
Counterfeit or inferior soldering iron tips may cause malfunction or damage to the soldering station host, and may also result in the inability of the soldering iron's performance to be fully utilized.
③ Use a soldering iron with good thermal recovery performance
When using lead-free solder for soldering operations, it is necessary to evaluate the heat resistance of the parts in advance and set the temperature within an appropriate range.
④ Selecting the appropriate soldering iron tip: temperature and solder joints
Choose the appropriate soldering iron tip based on the size of the soldering point. It is also possible to lower the temperature of the soldering iron tip appropriately to improve work efficiency.
⑤ The maintenance of soldering iron tips is also very important:
（1） Using a specialized soldering iron sponge or metal ball, soak it in deionized water and wipe the soldering iron tip to remove surface oxides and clean the tip.
（2） Try to avoid using soldering iron tips that are too hot. When not in use for more than 10 minutes, turn off the power to the soldering iron.
（3） Do not use pliers to replace the soldering iron tip. Instead, use a disassembly gasket to replace the soldering iron tip (do not directly disassemble the soldering iron tip by hand to avoid burns).
（4） When the soldering iron tip oxidizes and turns black, first use soldering flux to remove the oxide. If it cannot be removed, first use a metal wire cleaner soaked with additives to remove the surface oxide, and then apply new solder.
（5） Use a METCAL copper wire ball to clean rusty soldering iron tips, without using any abrasives.
（6） If you do not use the soldering iron tip or after use, please place the soldering iron on the soldering iron holder after wrapping it with tin.
