Wiping Tests
Sequence of Three Tip Wiping Episodes with SOLDERSponge
The photographs to the right show three columns where the top frames 1, 6 and 11 have just been loaded with solder on the tip. The tip was then wiped four times consecutively with dry SolderSponge in the frames immediately below frames 1,6 and 11. On the second and third wipes the solder and flux residues are wiped clean. On the fourth wipe (frames 5,10 and 15) the wiping has left very little solder film on the surface and the solder is beginning to show signs of oxidation. A few seconds after frame 5, tip is still readily wettable with solder as seen on next frame 6. This ability is shown again going from frame 10 to frame 11.
Period between consecutive frames approx 5 seconds. Soldering iron tip temperature approx 725 Deg. F (385 Deg. C). Solder was lead free: Sn 95.5% Ag 3.0% Cu 0.7 % .
Period between consecutive frames approx 5 seconds. Soldering iron tip temperature approx 725 Deg. F (385 Deg. C). Solder was lead free: Sn 95.5% Ag 3.0% Cu 0.7 % .
Temperature Tests
Temperature readings were taken with a thermocouple probe inserted into a large spade (3mm x 25mm) soldering iron tip loaded with solder and the opposite face was wiped twice on two occasions with dry melamine sponge (A) and twice with a wet cellulose sponge (B). The zig-zag temperature fluctuation is normal with magnetic thermal control irons. The temperature fluctuation with the wet sponge is likely to be much greater with smaller, lower heat capacity tips used in microelectronics fabrication.
Burn Test
A 725 Deg. F hot soldering iron tip was allowed to rest under its own weight as shown below on a block of dry SolderSponge for a period of 60 seconds to simulate an accidental occurrence by an operator. During this test period no visible fumes were seen rising from the surface. Upon lifting the tip, a brown charred groove was left in the sponge. Compare this brown marking with the black deposits that remain when wiping solder residues and flux in the earlier slide. (Normal operating soldering iron tip temperature max is 650 Deg. F)