Tip Maintenance - Velleman VTSS5 Manual Del Usuario

only possible at the right soldering temperature. When the soldering temperature is too
low, the solder will not melt enough causing unclean (cold) soldering points. At too high
temperatures, the solder will burn and the tin-solder will not flow. Moreover there is the
danger of damaging the PCB or the components. Only when the temperature of the
soldering tip is perfectly adapted to the solder will you have clean joints.
 The most common soldering alloys used in the electronics industry consist of 60% tin and
40% lead. The operating temperature of this type of solder is detailed below and can vary
from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, to meet RoHS requirements, these solders
are no longer allowed and are replaced by lead-free solders that require a working
temperature which is ±30°C (54°F) higher.
Melting point
Normal Operation
Production Line Operation
 The included soldering tip consists of copper-plated iron. Used correctly, the soldering tip
has a long durability. Clean the tip immediately before use by rubbing it on the moist
sponge. By doing so residues of unevaporated solder, oxides or other impurities will be
removed.
 Before you put the soldering iron back into the holder, you should clean it again and apply
some fresh solder. It is important to keep the tip covered with some solder as it will
become passive, not accepting any more solder after a while.
e. Use
 Do not press too hard on the tip while soldering: this does not improve the heat transfer
and may damage the tip.

6. Tip maintenance

 The soldering uses extremely high temperatures. Make sure that the unit is switched off for
maintenance purposes.
 Remove the tip and clean it after heavy or moderate use. We recommend cleaning the tip
daily if the station is used frequently.
 Always tin the tip before returning it to the holder, prior to turning off the station or to storing
it for long periods of time. Wipe the tip on a wet sponge or use our tip cleaner (ref. VTSTC)
before activating the device.
 Using excessive temperatures (more than 400°C or 750°F) will shorten the life span of the tip.
 Do not exercise excessive pressure on the tip while soldering, as this may cause damage to
the tip.
 Never clean the tip with a file or with abrasive materials.
 Do not use flux containing chloride or acid. Use only resinous fluxes.
 If an oxide film has formed, you should remove it by buffing carefully with a 600-800 grit
emery cloth or by using isopropyl alcohol and consequently applying a new protective layer of
solder.
 Wet the sponge with nothing but water.
IMPORTANT
Remove and clean the tip daily. Remove excess solder from the barrel nut assembly when
installing a new tip.
7. Maintenance
Note: Always shut off the soldering station and disconnect it from the mains before cleaning
and changing the soldering tip. Make sure the soldering iron has cooled down and has reached
room temperature; otherwise it can cause severe burns! Damage to the soldering station may
occur if the system is left on and the removed tip has not been replaced.

Unscrew the coupling nut on the soldering iron and remove the soldering tip. Clean off the rust
which may have formed in the cylinder. Don't ever try to remove the soldering tip during use
(burn hazard). If the soldering tip should loosen during use, turn off the soldering station and
let the soldering iron cool down until it has reached room temperature. Then tighten the
coupling nut.
02.03.2012
VTSS5
leaded solder
215°C (419°F)
270-320°C (518-608°F)
320-380°C (608-716°F)
5
lead-free
220°C (428°F)
300-360°C (572-680°F)
360-410°C (680-770°F)
©Velleman nv
Rev. 02