Electronic Soldering Preparation

Are you currently planning on carrying out an electronic project that requires soldering? Before you begin any electronic soldering project, it’s important to first prepare your soldering iron by properly cleaning and tinning it. Follow these simple steps, and bask in successful electronic soldering goodness:

1. Turn your soldering iron on. It will take a few minutes before the iron is hot. Be sure to have the iron in a proper stand, and not resting on your work area where it can cause a fire.
2. When the iron is hot, clean the tip. The recommended way to clean a soldering iron is to wipe the tip with a damp (not wet) sponge. While working, wipe the iron every now and again with the sponge to keep it clean.
3. Tinning refers to the process of applying a light coat of solder to your soldering iron. You should tin your soldering iron before carrying out any project. Tinning helps the solder flow more freely when it heats up, which makes your soldering iron work more efficiently and freely. To tin the iron, melt a small amount of solder on the tip, then wipe the tip dry with your sponge.

After following these simple steps, you can begin your electronic soldering project. You should clean the tip of your iron frequently as you work, ideally after each joint is soldered. It’s also important to follow all safety precautions when doing any type of soldering. Find the best soldering equipment and more at StellarTechnical.com today.

Safe Soldering Checklist

Whether you’re an expert at soldering or a full-fledged novice, it’s important to follow safety precautions before, during, and even after a soldering project. Because you’re using extremely hot materials, and there is a chance of hitting an air pocket that causes solder bits to fly around the room, it’s immensely important to stay safe. Consider these safety tips before any soldering project:

• Always wear safety glasses while soldering.

• Never solder a live circuit.

• Never place a hot soldering iron on any surface; this can increase the chance of fire.

• Never try to grab a hot soldering iron if dropped.

• Be sure to use a soldering iron that is the correct wattage for your project. Too much heat can ruin what you’re working on.

• Keep soldering iron unplugged when not in use.

• Solder in a well-ventilated place or be sure to invest in a fume extraction system. Soldering fumes can have negative impacts to your health and respiratory system.

• After soldering, be sure to let any soldered piece cool before touching.

• Use soldering gloves to protect your hands.

If you’re looking for the best selection of quality soldering materials, soldering safety equipment, and production supplies, look no further than StellarTechnical.com.  At Stellar Technical, we take pride in helping companies more effectively manufacture their products.