---
title: Metcal Blog | Soldering, Desoldering, Electronics Rework Applications, News, Tips and Trends | Smartheat
description: Smartheat | Applications, tips and trends in hand soldering, rework, repair and desoldering.  Metcal is one of the world's leading brands in soldering stations, rework stations, fume extraction and benchtop accessories.
---

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# Metcal Blog

## [How Connection Validation Works](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/how-connection-validation-works)

 By [Robert Roush](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/author/robert-roush) on Oct 10, 2017 10:51:05 AM

[![](http://info.okinternational.com/hubfs/2017%20Metcal%20Blog/October/How%20CV%20Works%20Image.png)](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/how-connection-validation-works)

Metcal's exciting and innovative [Connection Validation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/connection-validation-short-video) product has been a big hit, winning [four awards](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-wins-em-best-of-industry-award) to date. We've received questions from around the world, looking for a little more detail about how the process works. The infographic below helps explain.

Topics: [Connection Validation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/connection-validation) [Smartheat](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/smartheat) [process control](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/process-control) 

[Continue Reading](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/how-connection-validation-works)

## [How SmartHeat Technology Works: A Tutorial](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/how-smartheat-technology-works-a-tutorial)

 By [Ed Zamborsky](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/author/ed-zamborsky) on Aug 3, 2017 2:11:15 PM

[![](http://info.okinternational.com/hubfs/SmartHeat%20Heater%20Coil-589260-edited.jpg)](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/how-smartheat-technology-works-a-tutorial)

We often get detailed questions from Process Engineers about how SmartHeat really works, and whether fixed (or stable) head soldering stations or variable heat is what they need.  Our expert, [MetcalMan Ed Zamborsky](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/meet-metcal-eastern-rsm-ed-zamborsky) himself has written this article about [Metcal's SmartHeat](http://www.okinternational.com/metcal/english/globalnavigation/applications/hand-soldering/what-is-smartheat) first, to talk about how stable temperature soldering really works!

Topics: [Soldering Station](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-station) [Smartheat](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/smartheat) [fixed temperature](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/fixed-temperature) [applications](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/applications) 

[Continue Reading](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/how-smartheat-technology-works-a-tutorial)

## [Why Metcal Soldering Irons Don't Need Calibration](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/why-metcal-soldering-irons-dont-need-calibration)

 By [Metcal Marketing](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/author/metcal-marketing) on May 26, 2017 12:15:49 PM

One of the questions we're frequently asked is "why don't Metcal soldering irons require calibration." In fact, there are a number of soldering stations that no longer require calibration, partly because the [IPC standards](http://www.ipc.org/committee/drafts/5-22a_d_J-STD-001F-Feb2012.pdf) have changed.

Traditionally, a conventional soldering station uses a temperature measuring sensor that feeds back the heating element temperature (not the tip temperature.) In many systems, the temperature that is displayed is somewhere between the tip (working surface) and the heater, and then is fed back to the temperature control PCB. These temperature sensors can and do vary over time. This variance can cause the displayed temperature to be different from the measured tip temperature.

Topics: [Soldering Station](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-station) [Smartheat](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/smartheat) [soldering iron](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-iron) [FAQ](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/faq) 

[Continue Reading](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/why-metcal-soldering-irons-dont-need-calibration)

## [Metcal Brings Big Science and High Reliability to Hand Soldering](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-brings-big-science-and-high-reliability-to-hand-soldering)

 By [Metcal Marketing](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/author/metcal-marketing) on Mar 13, 2017 9:10:18 AM

[![](http://info.okinternational.com/hubfs/2017%20Connection%20Validation/RR_CV-smt.jpg)](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-brings-big-science-and-high-reliability-to-hand-soldering)

Recently, SMT Magazine caught up with Metcal Product Support Engineer, Robert Roush to discuss Metcal’s new patented Connection Validation Hand Soldering System.  The discussion gets into how originally with the introduction of SmartHeat, Metcal allowed customers to achieve a new level of process control in their hand soldering operation and how with Connection Validation, Metcal is taking process control into greater heights.

Topics: [rework](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/rework) [Connection Validation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/connection-validation) [Soldering Station](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-station) [risk mitigation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/risk-mitigation) [Smartheat](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/smartheat) [soldering iron](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-iron) 

[Continue Reading](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-brings-big-science-and-high-reliability-to-hand-soldering)

## [Metcal Introduces the Next Big Step in Process Control: Connection Validation™](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-introduces-the-next-big-step-in-process-control-connection-validation)

 By [Metcal Marketing](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/author/metcal-marketing) on Feb 13, 2017 3:05:00 AM

[![](http://info.okinternational.com/hubfs/2017%20Connection%20Validation/CV-hand-piece-white-250x225.png)](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-introduces-the-next-big-step-in-process-control-connection-validation)

Metcal’s CV-5200 Connection Validation™ Soldering Station provides real-time closed loop feedback on intermetallic compound formation— the world’s first. Plus, a new communication port enables process traceability and firmware upgrades.

Topics: [Connection Validation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/connection-validation) [Soldering Station](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-station) [risk mitigation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/risk-mitigation) [Smartheat](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/smartheat) 

[Continue Reading](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/metcal-introduces-the-next-big-step-in-process-control-connection-validation)

## [Introducing  Connection Validation™ - Metcal’s latest innovation in hand soldering!  Check out the 2-min video.](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/connection-validation-short-video)

 By [Metcal Marketing](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/author/metcal-marketing) on Feb 13, 2017 3:01:00 AM

[Metcal Hand Soldering Connection Validation (CV)](https://vimeo.com/200519529) from [Metcal](https://vimeo.com/metcal) on [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com).

Topics: [Connection Validation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/connection-validation) [Soldering Station](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/soldering-station) [Video](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/video) [risk mitigation](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/risk-mitigation) [Smartheat](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/topic/smartheat) 

[Continue Reading](https://info.techcon.com/metcal/connection-validation-short-video)

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Metcal is a benchtop solutions expert that has delivered broad value to customers since its Silicon Valley beginnings in 1982. Offering unrivalled performance, risk mitigation, and ROI, we give electronics manufacturers the tools—and the confidence—they need to develop faster, safer, more advanced products.

Metcal’s track record of innovation is legendary. With SmartHeat® and now with Connection Validation™—both industry firsts—Metcal breakthroughs have empowered our global electronics assembly customers in the automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and military sectors. And today, we’re accelerating the pace of global innovation even further, forging developments in hand soldering, convection rework, fume extraction, and fluid dispensing.

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