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Soldering Iron

What is a soldering iron?

A soldering iron is a hand tool used to heat and melt solder for joining electronic components to circuit boards or connecting wires together. It consists of a heated metal tip, typically made of copper and iron-plated, attached to an insulated handle with an electrical heating element inside. The tool operates at temperatures between 200-400°C (400-750°F) and is essential for assembling, repairing, and prototyping electronic circuits. Different tip shapes and sizes are available for various soldering applications, from fine surface-mount components to larger through-hole parts.

Related Terms

Soldering Station

A soldering station is a complete electronic tool system designed for precision soldering and desoldering of electronic components. It typically consists of a temperature-controlled base unit, a soldering iron with interchangeable tips, and often includes additional features like digital temperature displays, adjustable power settings, and hot air rework capabilities. Soldering stations provide better temperature control and consistency compared to basic soldering irons, making them essential for professional electronics work, PCB assembly, and component-level repairs.