FAQ
How to clean AOYUE soldering iron tips from oxidation without damaging the surface?
Contemporary soldering tips are no longer made from copper, hence using abrasives to clean them is strongly discouraged! To clean effectively, a cellulose sponge moistened with water or glycerin, or even metallic filings, would be the ideal choice. By maintaining proper care, the tip will have a prolonged lifespan while retaining its intended performance.
What should I do if the oxidation on the tip cannot be removed using the recommended methods?
If the oxidation on the tip is highly resistant and cannot be removed with either sponge or filings, it’s advisable to use a soldering tip activator. It will thoroughly clean the working part of the tip from oxidation and restore its performance. It’s important to remember that the cleaning should be conducted after preheating the tip to 300 – 350°C. Otherwise, the effect might be disappointing or even non-existent.
What should be my starting point for operating an AOYUE soldering repair system?
No job can be tackled effectively without the necessary preparation. Thus, even if you use quality soldering equipment, it’s essential to learn how to handle it first. To gain experience with soldering systems, we recommend starting by practicing your abilities on non-functional motherboards from PCs or laptops or attempting to desolder and resolder processors on video card boards. This will enable you to learn the intricacies of the equipment’s operation and acquire the necessary skills.
How can I desolder numerous components at a time or remove excess solder from the pins?
For these purposes, it’s best to use a desoldering wick (also called desoldering braid). Braided from thin copper wire and infused with flux, this wick will help to effectively remove excess solder
Even when the soldering iron is set to its maximum temperature, the tip keeps getting stuck in the solder while soldering large components. Does this indicate that my soldering system is broken?
No, it doesn’t. You just need to use a more substantial tip. Due to the larger amount of solder, fine tips cool down rapidly, leading to a decline in soldering quality. For these purposes, K-type tips (chisel tips) are the most suitable.
Since I need to desolder many components on a regular basis, using wick is impractical. What would you recommend instead?
If you need to desolder a large number of components on a permanent basis, we recommend using the AOYUE 474A+ desoldering station.
What temperature ranges should I use for soldering to avoid overheating components?
The melting temperature of most standard solders with a composition of 60-63% tin and 37-40% lead is approximately 190°C. The melting temperature of solders with mixed compositions is indicated on the packaging. The melting temperature of lead-free solders is typically around 220°C.
If the solder turns blue on the tip during soldering, does that mean the solder is of poor quality?
No, it doesn’t. You’re overheating the alloy. Lower the soldering temperature.