Soldering iron with temperature adjustment: description, instructions, purpose

Soldering iron with temperature adjustment is a special equipment that serves for soldering various metal products. In this case, the elements can differ from each other in size. In some cases, it is necessary to apply different temperatures, since the parts can not withstand a high voltage and will break down. To prevent this from happening, a soldering iron with temperature adjustment should be used. Change it occurs by switching to another power.

general information

Before those people who decided to deal with soldering, there is one important question: "How to choose a soldering iron?" Most professionals have long found the answer. They use a soldering iron with temperature control. This device is very convenient. In addition, it has high performance, and also differs in the quality of the finished product. Thermal stabilization is an important advantage that will suit many lovers. To the temperature of the soldering iron was at a certain level, you must set the value of power or voltage. This is very convenient, since the spike of various metal elements is possible only at a specific temperature.

How to choose a soldering iron for this indicator? Quite important is the presence of a regulating element. That is, the soldering iron should have not only a tumbler, where the maximum and minimum temperatures are written. But there must be mechanisms that can establish an accurate value. An important point is the relationship with power. If the device acts "idle", then the tip for the soldering iron can overheat. When carrying out the work, where high values of heat transfer are required, it is necessary to have a suitable temperature. Such a regulating device can be made independently. To do this, you need a regular dimmer.

The soldering iron is able to consume power up to 80 W. The device is connected to a normal household electricity network with a voltage of 220 V. Its temperature can be changed by means of a special toggle switch. It can be in the range from 200 to 400 ° C. The error is rather low - only 10 ° C.

Principle of operation

So, in order to lower or raise the temperature, it is necessary to apply the regulator. This mechanism is connected directly to the soldering iron. With it, the temperature, power and voltage change, which is done with the help of special resistors. When switching, the stinger for the soldering iron changes its properties. When you rotate the lever on the controller, only one of the parameters changes.

What are the regulators?

There are many devices that are used for soldering irons:

• The regulator is functioning due to the triac. Electric soldering irons with such a device make it possible to monitor the applied voltage or power.
• Element containing a thyristor in the construction.
• The power boost device is designed for quantitative adjustment of the power supplied.
• Regulator with indication. Thanks to this element, it is possible to determine which power or voltage is applied to the soldering iron at a particular time.
• Regulator for low-voltage models. It is used for those soldering irons, whose voltage indicator does not exceed 36 V.
• Device without interference. Such a device has a long service life.
• Regulator with galvanic cells. This device is suitable for all types of soldering irons, it is able to function for a long time.

A ceramic soldering iron can be assembled on its own, but for this it is necessary to adhere to a certain electrical circuit.

Low-frequency

Buying this type of soldering iron in the store, it is worthwhile to understand that it already can have reduced technical characteristics. These devices are suitable for them:

• Regulator for 12 V. It is designed for soldering irons, the power of which is 12 V.
• Equipment at 36 V. Used for soldering irons with an operating voltage of 36V.
• Regulator with microcontroller. Such an element is equipped with electric soldering irons, where an increased sensitivity to the elements is necessary.

Copper soldering iron

Apparatuses with such a supercharger consist of a twisted spiral copper wire. Through it can pass a constant and alternating current with low voltage, coming from small transformers.

Modern devices are equipped with a special temperature sensor located on the sting. It is thanks to him that the heating of the tip is controlled. As such a component is a thermocouple, which is a proven element. When critical temperatures occur, the sensor signals. After this, the copper spiral turns off or changes the power.

Copper electric soldering irons can be made in various designs. The simplest model is a spiral wound around the body. It must not necessarily carry tension. A stinger is inserted into it. In a more sophisticated version, the copper spiral is insulated with a special material. Due to this, heat losses are reduced.

Ceramic Heater

Another popular model is a soldering iron with adjustable temperature of the ceramic type. In its design, ceramic rods are provided. When voltage is applied to them, they become hot. This model is considered ideal equipment. Among the positive aspects can be identified rapid heating element, a large range of temperature control. With careful use, the soldering iron will last a long time.

Which soldering iron is better to choose?

Before many people there is a question about which soldering iron to choose: ceramic or copper. To do this, you need to read many reviews, as well as technical documentation. The amateur must listen to the opinion of professionals, as they have sufficient experience in the sphere of adhesion. So, first you need to determine the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.

The positive properties of copper soldering irons with a temperature regulator are:

• Low cost of the device.
• When falling, it is not subject to mechanical influences.

Negative sides:

• When plugged into the mains, the tip is heated at a low speed.
• The service life is quite small, because due to constant overheating, the wire burns. But this property is manifested in the case when the soldering iron continuously works for a long time. With rare use, this deficiency does not appear.

As for ceramic soldering irons with temperature control, their advantages are as follows:

• If used with care, the device can last a long time.
• Heating occurs much faster than copper-type soldering irons.
• The equipment does not burn out, as it consists of an integral ceramic construction.

Like every device, a ceramic soldering iron has its drawbacks:

• It is exposed to blows. If dropped, the ceramic housing may crack or crash.
• If the staple is damaged, only original parts must be used.

What is the price for a soldering iron?

Devices with a temperature regulator can be purchased at any construction store. Their cost is in the range from 1000 to 6000 rubles. It depends on the manufacturer, the brand of the soldering iron, and also the technical characteristics. As it was said before, a solder often breaks the soldering iron. Its cost is about 500 rubles.

Reviews

Many users are happy with the device with the temperature regulator. It serves to solder metal elements. It can be used not only at home, but also for production purposes. Due to temperature changes, it is possible to connect elements that are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. Each user prefers different models of soldering irons. The most popular are ceramic and copper devices. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages of the first type are the rapid heating of the ceramic element and a long service life. The disadvantages of the equipment include the relatively high fragility of the main element. When falling on a hard surface, it can crack or even break. In addition, only original staples are used in the soldering iron. Therefore, if you break it, you will need to find the places where they are sold. And it is very difficult and expensive.

Soldering irons made on the basis of a copper spiral, unlike the previous one, are not impacted and have a low cost. But their essential disadvantage is a quick failure in case of prolonged work. In this case, high temperatures affect the wire, and it burns out.

A soldering iron, whose price is in the range of one to six thousand rubles, is a quality and useful equipment. If you treat it with care, then it will serve any person for a long time.

So, we found out what the soldering irons are with the possibility of adjusting the temperature of the tip. And which model to choose, you will have to decide on your own.