TEMPERATURE SELECTION
Start with a 600 Series tip. If your board is simple and does not have too many backplanes, use a 500 Series tip cartridge. If you are soldering or desoldering a heavy board with copper planes, you may want to use a higher temperature series. If you are removing a large component, you may need to use a 700 Series tip cartridge to accommodate the large load.
Choose the lowest temperature possible:
In general, Metcal systems use lower temperatures than conventional irons. Metcal can afford to use low temperatures since power delivery varies, depending on the size of the load. ŒDirect Power¹ allows soldering of heavy loads at low termperatures, by maximizing power (heat) to the load.
Take flux type into consideration:
If you are using a No-Clean flux, use lower temperatures. High temperatures will flash No-Cleans right off the board. Combining 700 Series tip cartridges and No-Clean flux will sharply reduce tip life. If you are using an RMA flux, you can afford to use a higher temperature series tip cartridge.
Is temperature important?
Remember, good contact, a wet connection, and the correct tip geometry are the keys to effective soldering. You want to maximize the efficiency of power delivery to the load, at low temperatures. Using low temperatures will lessen danger to the board, lessening your scrap rates. Raising the temperature should only be done as a last resort.
How do I change the tip temperature?
To change the temperature, you need to change the tip cartridge. Temperature is not controlled by the power supply. Temperature is constant, while power is variable.
Published by Metcal
Edited by Linden McClure, Ph.D.
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