Choosing Lead-Free Soldering

Controlling hazardous substances, like lead, cadmium, and mercury, is essential to improving the products we create. It is valuable to our industry's end users, resell outlets, and manufacturers. The choice has also faced some heavy criticism in the past decade. These criticisms are mostly in response to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), which was adopted by the European Union in 2003 and enacted in 2006.

The RoHS directive saw feedback that sited increased production costs, difficulties with superheated materials, and overall reliability. While these thoughts were valid, the change has not affected the industry as harshly as manufactures predicted in 2005. Most notably, product reliability has increased. Moreover, solder reliability has increased while component sizes have decreased.

Lead-free solder helps manufacturers dramatically reduce component sizes. This is because lead-free solder does not wet well, allowing producers to print leads closer together. In fact, experiments with lead-based and lead-free leads found fewer shortages and other problems with lead-free solder.

When you add in the 20% lead, 63% cadmium, 56% mercury, and 68% Octa-BDE reduction the European industry has seen in the first three years, you see the benefits of lead-free solder outweigh the costs by far.  

Aerosol Solder Cleaning Tools for You

Are you in the market for soldering cleaning selections? Stellar Technical is ready to assist you. We have a variety of aerosol cleaners and degreasers that are perfect for both professionals and amateur soldering enthusiasts. Take a look at some of the selections we have here and place an order with us today:

• MicroCare VeriClean Defluxer – This product is based on VMS Siloxanes and is strong enough to easily remove rosins or no-clean flux residues. It is plastic safe but it is flammable.
• Techspray 1630-16S Blue Shower – When you are looking for the strongest non-flammable degreaser and flux remover, this option is perfect for you. It’s strong enough to remove baked-on lead-free flux residues, as well as clean oil and contaminants off metal parts, switch boxes, engines, and electronic components.
• Bioact EC7M Cleaner – Made from ultrapure citrus terpenes, this cleaner works great when you need to clean fluxes, silicone, and adhesive from labels and tapes. Additionally, it is completely O-zone safe and biodegradable.

You’ll be able to start any soldering project when you have soldering cleaning selections from Stellar Technical. We are available to help you find the best and most efficient product for your applications. Bulk options are available for your needs.

Air Ionizers for Your Soldering Work Area

When you are working on soldering projects, the last thing you need is electro-static discharge causing damage to equipment or, even worse, causing small explosions. Stellar Technical understands the many problems that come along with ESD, so we offer a wide array of high-end static control accessories, including air ionizers. With one of our ionizers, you’ll be able to easily neutralize floating static charges in your soldering work area. Take a look at the option we offer:

• Desco 60473 Chargebuster Ionizer – This ionizer is an overhead three-fan unit that can cover an entire 2’x5’ workbench. It’s features include 3 high-speed fans, audible and visual alarms, and replaceable emitter pins.
• Desco 19587 Python Ionization Hand Gun – If you need to neutralize a small area or the items you are working with, this ionization hand gun is perfect for you. Not only does it neutralize charges, it also safely removes dust and debris.
• Desco 60505 Bench Top Ionizer – Treat the area in front of one assembler with this ionizer. It can easily cover a 16”x36” area. This fan has three speeds and features replaceable emitter fans.

Don’t shop at other companies for your soldering needs. At Stellar Technical, we are experts in our field and only offer the best products available for you.

Heavy Duty Soldering Irons for Sheet Metal Soldering

When starting a sheet metal soldering job, you want to be sure that you have the right equipment. Many soldering irons and guns are made for small applications or home use and can't deliver the power that you need to create a lasting seal. Though all soldering irons fulfill the same function, you'll want a heavy-duty type when working with large metal pieces used for industrial applications.

With a heavy-duty soldering iron, you get your choice of tip size, shape and material. Choosing a tip with high thermal mass allows the iron to hold more heat for a longer period so you can get your work done without having to stop and re-heat it multiple times. The ability to produce high temperatures and recover lost heat quickly is a big plus when working on large jobs that require a long time spent soldering.

Soldering irons aren't just for use in big industries. If you're the type who enjoys building things or doing your own home repairs, you can benefit from having a heavy-duty soldering iron on hand. The power available from these tools allows you to tackle much bigger jobs than you can with smaller irons. Choose the right soldering iron for the job and the right material for the tip, and you'll have all you need to ensure that your next project goes smoothly.

Are American Beauty Soldering Irons Worthy of Their Name?

American Beauty soldering irons have more going for them than just a flashy name. While it's true that they bear undeniably sleek aesthetics, real enthusiasts favor them for the fact that they're highly configurable; this also makes them equally appropriate for craftsmen and production-ready operations.

Although most American Beauty irons ship wired for 110/220 V mains power, they can be configured for 220/240 V installations as well. Standard models feature 30, 60, 100, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300 and 550 W power ratings, so it's easy to choose the correct tool for the job at hand whether you're working on a delicate SMD circuit board repair or a tough plumbing project.

Of course, a powerful soldering iron is nothing without a reliable heater, which is why these devices include Ni-Chrome wound elements designed to outlast as many heating and cooling cycles as possible without succumbing to fatigue or burning out along the way. To ensure maximum safety at lab benches and in the field, each American Beauty iron includes a grounded power cord housed in burn-resistant insulation. Best of all, all the devices in this family follow a similar modular design, so they're easy to repair or customize with different diamond points, tapered chisels and other tips. You can find these great selections online today at StellarTechnical.com!