Hot Air Rework vs. Desoldering Stations: Which One Should You Choose?

There are a few key differences between hot air rework stations and desoldering stations. First, and most notable, is the size of the two different stations. The hot air stations tend to be much larger than the desoldering stations. Thus, to work with hot air, you will need to bring the defective parts to the station. In comparison, the desoldering station can be brought to the parts, which offers much more flexibility. Another noticeable difference between the two stations is their price tag. A hot air station will often carry a heftier price tag because it includes more features and extras than desoldering stations. The key is to find the specific tool that is best for your application needs. Choosing the right tool for the job will save you countless time and money in the long run.

A hot air rework station has many benefits. Because it uses hot air, the station is great for very quick and easy jobs where, perhaps, just one component needs to be removed from a printed circuit board (PCB). The opposite is also true, adding a single part to a PCB is also extremely simple by utilizing hot air to quickly and efficiently return the board to working order. This tool can also be used to fit heat shrink onto wires making it an extremely versatile device.

A desoldering station also offers many benefits for specific applications. These stations provide a great deal of precision with their many features. Their compact size allows these stations to be much more mobile and makes for easier clean up at the end of a job. The simplicity of a desoldering station also makes it an asset to some. Why pay for all the bells and whistles when you only need the device for its basic uses? Desoldering Stations help make reworking PCBs an easier task.

Both types of rework stations offer a variety of benefits and shortfalls. By doing your research you can discover which device fits best in your specific day-to-day needs.

QSource.com offers a wide selection from JBC Tools and Weller®.

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Hakko's New FM-2032 Micro Soldering Iron, T-30 Tips Now at QSource.com

American Hakko (Hakko) has released their new FM-2032 Micro Soldering Iron. In addition, a related conversion kit and several new T-30 Series tips are also now available at QSource.com.

The Hakko FM-2032 is a thin, lightweight handpiece that provides a precision micro soldering option to a variety of Hakko Soldering and Rework Systems. The ESD-safe FM-2032 was created for working with 0201 components or smaller and features an optimized tip-to-grip distance for operator dexterity and control under microscopes and magnifiers. The grip stays cool even when running at 450° C for extended periods of time and the thin iron cord is burn resistant.

Let's take a look at the FM-2032 Micro Soldering Iron's specifications:

• Power consumption: 48W / 24V
• Temperature range: 400° - 840°F (200° - 450°C)
• Tip-to-Ground resistance: < 2 ohms
• Tip-to-Ground potential: < 2mV
• Temperature accuracy: Meets or Exceeds IPC J-STD-001 with Offset
• Temperature stability: ±5.5°F (±3°C)
• ESD properties: ESD-safe
• Reach: 3.9' (1.2 m)
• Handpiece length: 6.7" (170 mm) w/T30-D1 tip
• Weight of handpiece: 0.49 oz (14 g) w/T30-D1 tip
• Tip-to-ground distance: ~1.97" (50 mm)
• Grip diameter: 0.45" (11.6 mm)
• Acceptable tips: T-30 Series (not included)
• Tip diameter: 0.130" (3.3 mm)

NEW IRON, NEW TIPS

The FM-2032 uses Hakko's new T-30 Series Composite Micro Tips. These quick-change tips feature geometries engineered for optimal heat transfer and can reach into many of the tightest spots on a board. These T-30 Tips incorporate Hakko’s well-known tip life and performance characteristics. Please Note: The FM-2032 does not include any soldering tips or accessories.

The following T-30 Series Tips are now available at QSource.com:

• T30-D06 T-30 Series Micro Soldering Tip - Chisel - 6 x 0.6 mm
• T30-D1 T-30 Series Micro Soldering Tip - Chisel - 6.5 x 1 mm
• T30-I T-30 Series Micro Soldering Tip - Conical - 6 mm
• T30-J T-30 Series Micro Soldering Tip - Bent - 40° - 6 mm
• T30-KN T-30 Series Micro Soldering Tip - Knife - 45° - 8.5 x 1.4 mm
• T30-KU T-30 Series Micro Soldering Tip - Knife - 45° - 6 x 1.8 mm

VERSATILITY IN A KIT

Hakko has also released a Micro Soldering Iron Conversion Kit (FM2032-52), which allows the FM-2032 to be used with Hakko's FX-951 Soldering Station, FM-203 Dual Port Soldering System w/FM2027-03 Handpiece, and FM-206 3-Port Rework Station. The kit contains the FM-2032 Micro Soldering Iron, the Iron Holder, a Heat-Resistant Pad, and a Connecting Cable.

To place an order for the Hakko FM-2032 Micro Soldering Iron, T-30 Tips, or FM2032-52 Conversion Kit please visit our FM2032 Micro Soldering Iron Page at QSource.com or contact us via phone (800-966-6020) or email. Please check back soon for information about other new Hakko products.

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RELATED ARTICLES

• Hakko Soldering Irons & Lindstrom RX Series Cutters Featured in Latest TechCenter Addition
• Q&A: Hakko Rep Dave Ford Talks About the FX-951 Soldering Station
• Q&A: Hakko Rep Dave Ford Talks About the Hakko FM-203 Dual-Port Soldering System

Save Big on Hakko's FX-888D Digital Soldering Station at Q Source

When Hakko's FX-888D Digital Soldering Station was released back in January we were so excited to tell you about it that we wrote several blogs, made an unboxing video, and created a Flickr set of cool FX-888D photos. Well, our excitement hasn't waned and we just had to remind you that the Hakko FX-888D is available at QSource.com for just $91.35 AND you get a FREE extra sponge with your order!

We've previously informed you about the FX-888D's (part number FX888D-23BY) new features such as user selectable preset temperatures & digital calibration, password protection, and a low-temperature alarm (and we've even filled you in on some great tutorials about those options). So, let's not waste any more of your time when you could be clicking over to QSource.com and purchasing your own FX888D (or a second or third one if you've already bought one). We'll leave you with the top specifications of Hakko's powerful and economical FX-888D Digital Soldering Station:

• Temperature range: 120° - 899°F (50° - 480°C)
• Digital readout displays °F or °C
• Adjustable temperature control
• Maintains idle temperature within 1.8°F (1°C) when set to 400 - 899°F (200 - 480°C)
• Store up to five preset temperatures with Preset Mode
• Ceramic heating element and sensor for rapid heat-up temperature and fast thermal recovery
• Password-protected temperature setting functionality
• Ergonomic, lightweight iron handles
• Uses Hakko T18 Series Tips
• Wide selection of tips available for soldering SMD and through-hole applications
• ESD Safe
• Compact design takes up less bench space

The Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station is in stock and ready to ship from Q Source.


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Hakko FX-888D Digital Soldering Station on Flickr

We couldn't be more excited! A few days ago we got our brand new Hakko FX-888D (FX888D-23BY) demo unit! This is the digital version of Hakko's famously-popular (and now discontinued) FX-888. It has everything its predecessor had, plus a little more. (Did we mention it's digital?!?!) Be sure to read our earlier article and check all the specs on QSource.com.

Hakko's Tips for Tips

Our friends over at Hakko have an excellent Knowledge Base article about how to maximize the life of your soldering tips. To read the entire article, please visit the Hakko USA Knowledge Base.

In their very informative article, Hakko reminds us that the main factor in reduced tip performance and longevity is oxidation. They offer these five tips to avoid oxidation problems:

1. Clean the tip regularly
2. Make sure the tip is completely coated with solder, which will help protect the iron plating
3. Because heat and oxygen cause oxidation, whenever possible, use the lowest possible temperature to solder
4. To avoid damaging the iron plating, do not rub the tip against component leads, pads, or other objects
5. Water soluble and other highly active with aggressive cleaning action fluxes should be avoided

Sounds like good advice for long-lasting tip use. Q Source offers a fine selection of Hakko accessories to promote proper tip use and cleaning habits. And, when it is time to replace your tips, we have all of the quality Hakko tips you need to complete your soldering applications.

For further info about Hakko soldering products, or to place an order, please visit our Hakko department on our Web site, send us an email, or give us a call (800-966-6020) and one of our expert associates will be happy to help.