Detailed guide on what is soldering and soldering irons

Soldering is the process of joining two metals or circuits to form a firm connection. Earlier, soldering was done by melting the solder directly using flame heating. However, this procedure was a little unsafe due to the possibility of being burned by the molten solder particles. As a result, a soldering iron was developed to make the soldering procedure easier and reduce the risk of injury.

Soldering irons are small hand-held devices that melt the solder and place it to the desired location. The solder, when cool, forms a solid joint. Soldering irons are made of an insulated handle and a hot pointed metal iron tip.

These devices are highly functional and efficient, providing neat application of solder. The heating element is either powered by gas, battery, or electricity to produce consistent heat to a pointed tip where solder is melted. Soldering irons are small in size, easy to use, and solder practically any metal, including gold, silver, iron, copper, and brass. Furthermore, the soldering iron price starts from an affordable range.

Soldering devices are used by novice, hobbyist, jewelers, and electronic professionals, in their respective domains. However, many professionals prefer investing in a complete soldering iron kit for their convenience. Soldering iron kits comprise necessary components and the soldering device required to build circuit boards, make jewelry, welding, repair electronics, and other tasks.

How does a soldering iron work?

Firstly, the area of metal to be soldered is coated with a thin layer of soldering flux. Then the soldering iron is heated to the desired temperature with the help of a temperature controller to melt the solder. The melting temperature of the solder is usually 300-degree celsius. The melted solder is then placed at the desired area of any circuit or metal to form a joint after cooling.

Soldering irons are also used for desoldering metals or electrical connections by simply heating the iron tip and placing it on the joint. The joint melts on the application of the heat, thereby separating it.

The soldering quality depends on the cleanliness of the soldering irons tip. To ensure a good quality joint and better-soldered connection, the user must clean the soldering iron tip with a moist sponge.

Metals used for soldering:

Solder is a metal alloy used to form strong, and long-lasting bindings in jewelry, copper pipe connections, and circuit boards. Earlier lead-based were used for soldering. However, lead-based solders are substituted by lead-free solders made of brass, copper, indium, antimony, bismuth, tin, or silver due to recent regulations.

Why use flux before soldering:

Flux chemically cleans and removes contaminants such as grease, dirt, or oxides from metal surfaces before soldering. The flux also facilitates the soldering procedure by changing the surface tension of the molten solder, shielding the metal surface against re-oxidation during soldering. In addition, Rosin flux is majorly used to improve the electrical contact and mechanical strength of electrical junctions.

Conclusion:

As soldering irons work on lower power, they are widely used in applications requiring more heat. The tool is handy, easy to use, offers a hassle-free application, and cools much quicker. Not to mention the soldering iron prices are economical.

Whether you are a beginner, professional, or electronics student, soldering iron will indeed serve your purpose. If you are planning to invest in one, make sure to check out different types of soldering irons offered at attractive prices on one of the reputed online stores, Moglix.

Soldering Iron: FAQs

Q. What can I use as a soldering iron?

A. Although soldering iron is the best device for soldering, you can use thick metal wire, iron nail, or a screwdriver as soldering equipment. Heat it on the flame and melt the solder to form a joint.

Q. Which type of soldering iron is best?

A. Some of the best soldering irons are:

• Proskit SI-124B-40 40W Soldering Iron
• Proskit 8PK-S120NB-40 40W Soldering Iron
• Proskit SI-B161, Battery Operated Soldering Iron
• Aadvay 25 W/230 V Standard Soldering Iron
• Proskit 8PK-SC107B 25W 220-240 V Ceramic Soldering Iron

Q. How do I choose a soldering iron tip?

A. Select a tip that works with your soldering iron or the type of work you do. Depending on whether you want to undertake intricate work, general-purpose soldering, or drag soldering, choose the appropriate type of tip. Understanding your requirement is very important; if the tip is too tiny, there will be insufficient heat transfer, and if it is too large, the board may be damaged.

Q. What metal can be soldered?

A. Almost all kinds of metals, including gold, silver, iron, copper, and brass, can be soldered.