Metcal Blog

There are many different soldering tip designs to choose from when selecting or updating an iron. The different shapes have their own advantages, and some are most effective when used for a given application. Let's look at the most common types of solder tip designs and some solder tip basics. 

Soldering irons have been in use for a very long time, and they do the same job today as they did in the past - they make the electrical connection between components through the use of melted solder. But just as the components have become far more advanced, the soldering iron has progressed as well. This is why you should be using a smart soldering station for your electronic work.

Technology in manufacturing continues unabated in its evolution, something perhaps sounding daunting, though also helping many of your workers. With the prevailing thought that computers and robots are going to replace manufacturing jobs, much of this is proving false. As TIME Magazine details, digital technologies ultimately help complement workers in the manufacturing sector.

The trend known as Industry 4.0 is an amalgamation of technologies that have only relatively recently came into being. It is made up of cyber-physical systems, cloud computing, and cognitive-based processing, along with advanced computing paradigms. With its revolutionary impact on the world of manufacturing, it is often referred to as the fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0 is leading the way for tomorrow's manufacturing base, and it is defining the construction of Smart Factories.

INAUGURAL WINNER OF THE DOVER SAFETY EXCELLENCE AWARD

Cypress, California, May 23, 2018 – Dover Corporation today presented the 2017 Dover Safety Excellence Award to the OK International facility in Cypress, California. The award was based on both quantitative and qualitative measures for outstanding safety performance and exemplary employee participation in safety programs. OK International, a Dover Company, received the Gold Award for the small site category (under 150 employees). Overall, 29 locations world-wide were nominated with 7 locations ultimately receiving an award. Andy Fincher, President, Dover Engineered Systems, presented the award today at the Cypress facility during an all employee event.

A soldering iron can be an indispensable tool for electronics use. A new or adequately cared for soldering iron is very efficient in its operation, allowing components to be quickly and easily soldered into place. But sometimes the soldering tip gets a buildup of oxidation on its surface. When this happens, the soldering iron no longer functions as it should. But with a little effort, the tool can be restored to complete functionality. Let's take a look at soldering tips and how to deal with oxidation.

When it comes to hand soldering tasks, the correct soldering iron is the best tool in your toolbox. Properly cleaned and cared for, a soldering iron can provide many hours of dependable service. The solder tip is the business end of a soldering iron, and it acts as the heat transfer component that melts the solder and heats the work, allowing everything to meld. For maximum life and continued efficiency, a solder tip should be adequately cared for and maintained. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your solder tips and cartridges.

January, 2018

Metcal was presented with a 5th international award for the groundbreaking Connection Validation technology at productronica 2017, in Munich, Germany. We were awarded a 2017 Global Technology Award in the category of Hand Soldering for our CV-5200 Soldering and Rework Systems with Connection Validation technology. The award was presented at a Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017 ceremony by Global SMT magazine.

Our own Robert Roush recently joined a panel on the challenges of proper solder joints with Indium Corporation’s Brook Sandy-Smith, technical support engineer, Andrew Nunenkamp, director of engineering at MC Assembly, and Vince Burns, quality engineer and an IPC Certified Trainer.