VTSS4NU
V. 01 – 30/05/2013
5
©Velleman Inc.
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 ± 54 °F
higher.
Leaded solder
Lead-free solder
Melting point
419 °F
428 °F
Normal operation
518-608 °F
572-680 °F
Production line operation
608-716 °F
680-770 °F
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.
6.5
Use
Thanks to the user-friendliness and the short soldering times this soldering station makes for carefree
soldering. But please be careful! In order to ensure safe use and protect against damage, you should
heed the safety instructions and the warning notices as well as the legal VDE regulations when soldering.
7.
Tip Maintenance
The soldering uses extremely high temperatures. Make sure that the unit is switched off and cooled
down 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, before turning off the station or before storing it
for long periods of time. Wipe the tip on a wet sponge or use our tip cleaner before activating the
device.
Using excessive temperatures (more than 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 then applying a new protective layer of solder.
Set the desired temperature after allowing the unit to idle at 480 °F for three minutes. The station
will be ready for use once the set temperature is reached.
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, otherwise the tip may be fused to the heating element or to the retaining assembly.
8.
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! You can damage the soldering station if you switch it
on without the tip in place.
Unscrew the coupling nut on the soldering iron and remove the soldering tip. Clean off the rust which
may have formed in the cylinder. Do not 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.
