Tech Tips

Why are soldering tips worn out

Tip life TOP
Point 1Solder corrodes the iron-plated part and makes a hole.
Point 2The solder-plated part is oxidized in black and the tip is no longer wet with solder.
Point 3The surface of the heating element insertion part oxidizes and the heat conduction becomes poor.
(*Except for tips in composite type which has different structure)

Point 2. The solder-plated part is oxidized in black and the tip is no longer wet with solder.

The iron plating beneath the solder-plated part becomes exposed, and the area becomes black as oxidization starts. This is especially common when using lead-free solder, or the soldering iron is used without applying solder in the rework for solder bridge or other process.