Temperature-controlled soldering iron is a special equipment that serves for soldering various metal products. In this case, the elements may differ from each other in size. In some cases, it is necessary to apply different temperatures, since the parts can not withstand high voltage and will collapse. To prevent this from happening, you should use a temperature-controlled soldering iron. Its change occurs due to switching to another power.
general information
Before those people who decided to solder, there is one important question: "How to choose a soldering iron?" Most professionals have long found the answer. They use a temperature-controlled soldering iron. This device is very convenient. In addition, it has high performance, as well as the quality of the finished product. Thermal stabilization is an important advantage that will suit many lovers. In order for the temperature of the soldering iron to be at a certain level, you need to set the value of power or voltage. This is very convenient, since the adhesion 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 regulatory element. That is, the soldering iron should not only have a toggle switch, where the maximum and minimum temperatures are written. But there must be mechanisms that can establish the exact value. An important point is the relationship with power. If the device is idling, then the tip for the soldering iron may overheat. When performing work where large values of heat transfer are needed, you should have a suitable temperature. Such a control device can be made independently. To do this, you need a regular dimmer.
The soldering iron is capable of consuming power up to 80 watts. The device is connected to a conventional household electrical network with a voltage of 220 V. Its temperature can be changed using a special toggle switch. It can range from 200 to 400 ° C. Moreover, the error is quite low - only 10 ° C.
Principle of operation
So, in order to lower or increase the temperature, it is necessary to apply a regulator. This mechanism is connected directly to the soldering iron. With it, the temperature, power and voltage are changed, which is done with the help of special resistors.
When switching, the soldering iron tip changes its properties. When the lever is turned on the regulator, only one of the parameters changes.
What are the regulators?
There are many devices that are used for soldering irons:
- A regulator operating at the expense of a triac. Electric soldering irons with such a device allow you to control the supplied voltage or power.
- An element containing a thyristor in the design.
- The power increase device is intended for quantitative adjustment of the supplied power.
- Regulator with indication. Thanks to this element, it is possible to determine exactly what power or voltage acts on the soldering iron at a particular time.
- Regulator for low voltage models. It is used for those soldering irons in which the 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.
Ceramic soldering iron can be assembled independently, but for this it is necessary to adhere to a certain electrical circuit.
Low frequency
When purchasing this type of soldering iron in the store, it is worthwhile to understand that it can already have reduced technical characteristics. Such devices are suitable for them:
- The regulator is 12 V. It is designed for soldering irons, whose power is 12 V.
- 36 V equipment. Used for soldering irons with an operating voltage of 36V.
- Regulator with microcontroller. This element is equipped with electric soldering irons, where increased sensitivity to the elements is required.
Copper soldering iron
Devices with such a supercharger consist of spirally twisted copper wire. Through it can pass direct and alternating current with a low voltage, coming from small-sized 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. A thermocouple, which is a proven element, serves as such a component. When critical temperatures occur, the sensor gives a signal. After that, 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 that is wound around the body. He must not conduct voltage. A sting is inserted into it. In a more complex version, the copper spiral is isolated with a special material. Due to this, a decrease in heat loss occurs.
Ceramic heater
Another popular model is a ceramic type soldering iron. Its design includes ceramic rods. When voltage is applied to them, they heat up. Such a model is considered ideal equipment. Among the positive aspects, one can single out the quick heating of the element, a large range of temperature control. With careful use, the soldering iron will last quite a long time.
Which soldering iron is better to choose?
Many people have a question about which soldering iron to choose: ceramic or copper. To do this, you need to read a lot of reviews, as well as technical documentation. An amateur should listen to the opinion of professionals, as they have sufficient experience in the field of adhesion. So, for starters, you need to determine the advantages and disadvantages of these devices.
The positive properties of copper soldering irons with temperature control are:
- Low cost device.
- When falling, it is not exposed to mechanical stress.
Negative sides:
- When connected to the mains, the sting heats up at a low speed.
- The service life is quite small, as the wire burns out due to constant overheating. But this property is manifested in the case when the soldering iron is continuously working for a long time. With rare use, this drawback does not occur.
As for ceramic temperature-controlled soldering irons, their advantages are as follows:
- With careful use, the device can last a long time.
- Heating is much faster than with copper type soldering irons.
- The equipment does not burn out, as it consists of a solid ceramic structure.
Like every device, a ceramic soldering iron has its drawbacks:
- Being hit. If dropped, the ceramic case may crack or break.
- If the tip breaks, only original elements must be used.
What is the price of a soldering iron
Devices with a temperature controller can be purchased at any hardware store. Their cost ranges from 1000 to 6000 rubles. It depends on the manufacturer, the brand of the soldering iron, as well as technical specifications. As mentioned earlier, the tip often breaks in the soldering iron. Its cost is approximately 500 rubles.
Reviews
Many users are satisfied with the device with a temperature controller. It serves for soldering metal elements. It can be used not only at home, but also for production purposes. Due to temperature changes, elements that are particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures can be connected. Each user prefers different models of soldering irons. The most popular are ceramic and copper devices. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages of the first type, fast heating of the ceramic element and a long service life are distinguished.
The disadvantages of the equipment include the relatively high fragility of the main element. If it falls on a hard surface, it may crack or even break. In addition, only original tips are used in the soldering iron. Therefore, if it breaks, you will need to find 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 subjected to shock and have a low cost. But their significant drawback is a quick failure during prolonged operation. In this case, high temperatures affect the wire, and it burns out.
A soldering iron, the price of which ranges from one to six thousand rubles, is a high-quality and useful equipment. If you treat him carefully, then he will serve any person for a long time.
So, we found out what are soldering irons with the ability to adjust the temperature of the tip. And which model to choose, you have to decide for yourself.