Soldering & Rework

Soldering and Desoldering Station Parts and Equipment

Soldering serves as the first step in the PCB assembly process and a printed circuit board (PCB) works at the heart of every electronic device.

Selecting the right soldering station for your process is of utmost importance.

SMT Supplies carries the leading manufacturers including Hakko, and Metcal.  Whether you are looking for an adjustable temp system or fixed temperature, or a unit that includes desoldering and rework capabilities, we can help.

Contact our technical staff to help you with your soldering and rework choices. We have over 40 years of soldering experience

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Good maintenance includes:

    • Keeping the tip clean and properly tinned
    • Using appropriate temperatures (not higher than necessary)
    • Turning off or lowering temperature when not in use
    • Replacing worn tips when it no longer receives solder properly.  This is called “wetting”.
    • Avoiding excessive pressure during soldering

    These practices extend tip life and improve soldering consistency.

  • Calibration is not required for either system, however, regular tip temperature verification is highly recommended. Each organization should establish its own verification schedule based on quality requirements.  Verification is performed using a tip thermometer or thermal probe to verify the actual tip temperature against the station’s displayed temperature.

    • Hakko stations often include an offset adjustment feature within the unit or menu.
    • Metcal systems are self-regulating through their tip technology, but verification can still be performed using an external thermometer.

  • Hakko and Metcal are both highly respected manufacturers of professional soldering and rework equipment, but they use different technologies and design approaches.

    • Hakko stations typically use ceramic heater technology and offer excellent reliability, wide tip selection, and strong value.
    • Metcal systems use SmartHeat® RF technology, where the tip itself regulates temperature, offering very fast thermal recovery and precise temperature control without manual adjustment.

    Both brands are suitable for professional electronics manufacturing; the best choice depends on application, operator preference, and production environment.

  • No. In addition to soldering, irons are commonly used for:

    • Rework and repair
    • Removing solder bridges
    • Drag soldering fine-pitch components
    • Heat-shrinking small tubing
    • Working with terminals and connectors

    They are versatile tools in electronics assembly and repair.

    • Always keep the tip tinned with solder when idle
    • Use the lowest effective temperature
    • Avoid dry heating (never leave a tip hot without solder on it)
    • Store the iron with solder on the tip after use
    • Clean regularly but gently

    These habits will significantly extend tip life.

  • Start with a brass tip cleaner or a damp cellulose sponge. If oxidation or residue remains, use a tip tinner/cleaner compound designed for soldering tips. Avoid abrasive materials like sandpaper, which can permanently damage the iron plating.