Soldering is the process of bonding two or more metal items by filling the joint with a material called solder. Hakko is an industry leader in the soldering equipment market. The company offers a massive range of soldering equipment such as irons and stations, desoldering equipment, fume extractors, BGA rework stations, and a huge variety of replacement tips and nozzles, to name a few.
To begin soldering you will need basic soldering equipment like a soldering iron and a soldering station. However, there are many options and accessories available from Hakko to meet a variety of soldering needs, from professional to hobbyist.
Regardless, when purchasing any soldering equipment it is important to consider two things:
- Temperature and variable control are key. These features will improve soldering, so be sure to consider temperature range and variable control when choosing a soldering station
- Keep extra nozzles and tips on hand. These are inexpensive and consumable. It is easier and more cost effective to purchase extras in advance rather than place another order and pay for shipping in the future.
Types of Hakko Soldering Equipment
- BGA Rework Station: BGA rework stations are used for the manual alignment, replacement, or removal of BGA, μBGA, CSP, and other surface mount components with repeatable solder reflow profiles.
- Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations: Desoldering is the process of removing solder. It is done to repair, replace, and salvage electronics in a variety of applications.
- Dispensing Equipment: Dispensing equipment is used to dispense solder wire mechanically so you have less to hold in your hands while soldering.
- Fume Extraction: Fume extraction devices are used to absorb widespread smoke and/or smoke around equipment users given off during soldering. You should always use a a fume extractor or work in an open area because soldering fumes are toxic.
- Hot Air Guns: In soldering, hot air guns are used to heat up circuit boards or components prior to soldering to prevent damage. These guns can also be used for stripping paint, heat shrink tubing, curing epoxy, and defrosting frozen plumbing, among others.
- Lead Forming Equipment: This equipment is used during the process of lead forming, which involves bending component leads so that they can be inserted into holes or surface-mounted on a circuit board.
- Nozzles: Soldering nozzles are used on hot air pencils and with rework stations. They transfer the heat to the connection point.
- Pre-Heater: Pre-heaters provide fast, efficient underside heating and reduce the possibility of thermal damage to sensitive components.
- Soldering Equipment: Soldering equipment includes soldering stations and soldering guns, irons, and pencils.
- Soldering Pots: Soldering pots are portable devices used to melt solder and for dip soldering small items as well as tinning the ends of wire leads.
- Soldering Stands: Soldering stands hold many different types of soldering irons. They make soldering and desoldering easier.
- Static Control: Static control equipment protects users and equipment from static charge. Unwanted static discharge from tools can damage sensitive electronic components.
- Tips: Soldering tips transfer the heat to the connection point. They are essential to the soldering process and come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs.
Hakko BGA Rework Stations
Hakko BGA Rework Stations are used for the manual alignment, replacement, or removal of BGA, μBGA, CSP, and other surface mount components with repeatable solder reflow profiles. BGA stands for ball grid array. It is a type of surface mount technology used for packaging integrated circuits. Basically, a BGA rework station is neccessary
Key Features of Hakko BGA Rework Stations
- Unique Hakko Gantry System - allows PCB to remain stationary while unit head is manually aligned
- Board and component capacity - up to 14 x 20 inch PCB, 2 inch square components
- Software control of Preheat, Soak, Reflow, and Cool Down via Windows PC
- 1000W Top Heater
- CCD color video camera
- 4 thermocouple inputs
This video demonstrates the
Hakko FR-1418 BGA rework system. Hakko manufacture this unit from heavy-walled aluminum castings for maximum stability and precision. It uses precisely controlled solder reflow profiles to ensure that every rework job is a success.
Hakko Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations
Desoldering is the process of removing solder. It is used to repair, replace, and salvage electronics in a variety of applications. Special equipment and tools from Hakko are neccessary for this process.
Hakko offers two main types of stations: traditional desoldering stations and hot air rework stations. There are analog and digital versions available from Hakko, as well as a variety of nozzle/tip sizes and styles to meet a range of needs.
Types of Hakko Desoldering/Rework Equipment
- Desoldering Station: These stations come in a variety of styles and sizes. Hakko offers dedicated desoldering stations with built-in vacuum pumps, stations requiring shop air, ESD safe stations, and combination soldering/desoldering stations. Both analog and digital versions of these stations are available. Standalone desoldering tools are also available that integrate the performance of a station into a small, simple gun-style hand tool.
- Hot Air Rework Station: These stations are ideal for small jobs such as soldering and desoldering small surface mount chip components, heating heat-shrink tubing, and other local heating operations. These systems allow you to desolder and solder using the same station, but you may need optional accessories to make that possible.
- Pencil-style Tool: Hakko pencil-style tools tend to have a lower wattage than gun tools and are ideal for smaller items such as light gauge wire and small semiconductor devices.
- Gun-style Tool: Hakko gun-style desoldering tools usually have a high wattage, and they feature a “trigger” switch. They work well on items such as heavy gauge wire.
- Air Blower Tool: The air blower tool completely removes any solder remaining in through-holes.
Key Features of Hakko Desoldering Equipment/Rework Stations
- Removes solder with simple push-button operation
- Built-in air/vacuum pump
- Digital temperature display
- ESD-safe by design
- Choice of either gun or pencil desoldering without having to purchase a separate station
- Compatible with LEAD-FREE solder
- Lockout keycard feature to prevent accidental or unauthorized temperature changes
This video gives an overview of the
Hakko FM204-01 Desoldering Station and
FM204-CP Conversion Port Desoldering Station. Some of the key features include a built-in vacuum pump, lockout keycard, sleep mode functionality, and gun-style or pencil-style desoldering tool.
Hakko Dispensing Equipment
Hakko dispensing equipment is used to dispense solder wire. Hakko's solder wire self-feeder integrates with most Hakko irons and stations to completely free your hands from having to hold or feed solder. This is a huge benefit as anyone who has soldered knows how difficult it can be to hold all the neccessary components in their hands and solder without getting burned or damaging something.
Hakko dispensing equipment comes in 5 varieties for different solder diameters. Once you have determined which Feed Tube Unit is the correct size for your application, you can then easily attach it to your Hakko soldering iron. Then you can manually adjust solder feed speed and and solder return to minimize waste. All Hakko dispensing equipment is ESD-safe by design.
Hakko Fume Extraction
Fume Extraction devices are used to absorb widespread smoke and/or smoke around equipment users. They extract the contaminated air directly at the source, which improves air quality and increases user safety. Various styles and sizes are available to meet a range of needs. There are two main types made by Hakko: bench top smoke absorbers and extraction systems.
Hakko Fume Extraction Types:
Hakko Bench Top Smoke Absorbers
Bench top smoke absorbers remove soldering smoke and fumes quickly, safely, and efficiently. This improves the air quality in the work area and increases worker safety. Watching the video below will help you see how effectively Hakko smoke absorbers capture dirty air. Featured is the
Hakko FA400 Smoke Absorber, our best-selling Hakko fume extractor.
Key Features of Hakko Benchtop Smoke Absorbers:
- Unit is made of static dissipative conductive material
- Operates quietly
- Vertical or horizontal operation (horizontal increases efficiency approx. 2.5x)
- ESD-safe by design
- Activated carbon filter (Hakko PN: A1001) absorbs up to 80% of odors from air and is easy to replace
- Optional high efficiency filter (Hakko PN: 999-198) removes up to 90% of airborne particles
- No external air source required
- Compact size uses minimal bench space and allows portability
Hakko Extraction Systems
Hakko Extraction Systems are used with soldering stations to extract the contaminated air directly at the source. Contaminated air is captured from the workplace surrounding the soldering station by the hood or hoods and transferred to the unit by rigid ducts. The purified air is returned to the work area.
Key Features of Extraction Systems:
- Powerful suction
- Quiet operation
- 3-airflow adjustment modes: High, Medium, Low
- Freestanding ducts
- Filter replacement notification function
- Capable of suction via 2 extraction hoods
- Dual filter design to remove coarse particles, then fine particles
Hakko Hot Air Guns
Hakko Hot Air Guns are designed primarily to heat devices and melt solder. They can be used in a variety of soldering tasks, but are primarily used when a circuit board or component needs to be heated prior to soldering. Hot air guns are available in various styles from Hakko. Different nozzles can be used for different applications. Hot air guns can be used with stands for stationary operation.
Why is temperature control important in Hot Air Guns?
Temperature control may not be important for a home or occasional hot air gun use, but military, aerospace, industrial, and manufacturing applications will often have specifications that must be met. With better control and display of temperature, uniformity can be insured in production runs. Specifically for soldering, temperature control can help avoid damage to critical components due to overheating and performance issues later due to insufficient heat. Hakko Hot Air Guns feature a dual temperature switch for up to 600 or 950 degrees Fahrenheit so you can be sure you have the right amount of heat for your application.
Hakko Lead Forming Equipment
Lead Forming Equipment is used during the process of lead forming, which involves bending component leads so that they can be inserted into holes or surface-mounted on a circuit board. Types of equipment include lead formers, radial/axial lead cutters, and DIP liner lead straighteners. In this category however you will find only handheld lead forming tools, DIP liner lead straighteners, and radial/axial lead cutter accessories.
Browse Hakko radial/axial lead cutters here: Hakko > Tools >
Cutting Tools
Lead Forming Equipment Applications:
- Form and trim leads for electronic devices
- Reforming IC and LSI leads
- Speed IC and LSI insertion
- Eliminate broken leads during IC and LSI insertion or transportation
Key Features of Hakko Lead Forming Equipment:
- Sealed ball bearings make the equipment durable and efficient
- Wide adjustable bending length
- High quality cutting blade for a clean, smooth cut and long life
Hakko Nozzles
Soldering Nozzles are used on hot air pencils and with rework stations. They transfer the heat to the connection point. They are essential to the soldering process and come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs. It is a good idea to purchase spare nozzles in advance. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Types of Hakko Nozzles:
- Flat Hot Air Nozzle
- 4-Sides Heated Nozzle
- 2-Sides Heated Nozzle
- Round Bent Nozzle
- Round Hot Gas Nozzle
- Round Nozzle
- Hot Air Measuring Nozzle
Hakko Pre-Heaters for PCBs
Hakko Pre-Heaters provide fast, efficient underside heating and reduce the possibility of thermal damage to sensitive components. They make soldering and desoldering easier by reducing the heat requirement of the soldering tool. This reduces the risk of thermal damage. They are used in a variety of applications such as circuit board repair and rework of digital cameras, cell phones, and other electronic devices. Pre-heaters are available in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs.
This video demonstrates the
Hakko FR-1012 Pre-heater. It is a bench-top board heater designed to elevate the temperature of printed circuit board assemblies so that the components on them can be soldered and de-soldered more easily, and with improved results. This is particularly useful on medium to high-mass board assemblies, which can "heat-sink" a significant amount of energy being supplied by a soldering iron tip or handheld hot-air tool. This tool is particularly useful when soldering Pb-free assemblies.
Hakko Soldering Equipment
Hakko Soldering Equipment includes soldering irons and stations for both hobbyist and professional use. These include both analog and digital devices. Units range from affordable but capable soldering stations starting around $90, up to $800+ Digital Dual Port Soldering/Desoldering Station combos.
Types of Hakko Soldering Equipment:
- Analog Soldering Station. These stations are often designed for soldering and desoldering, and they are capable of many of the same applications as digital soldering stations. However most stations from Hakko are digital.
- Digital Soldering Station. In addition to the features and applications similar to those offered by analog soldering stations, digital soldering stations provide a digital readout of the current iron temperature as well as better temperature control.
- Soldering Pencil and Parts. Soldering pencils are ideal for small jobs. Soldering pencils come in a variety of sizes and styles such as screwdriver tips, long conical, and more. Extra parts, such as heating elements, barrel nuts, and spare tips, are available
- Soldering Gun. Soldering guns come in a variety of sizes and styles. They feature a looped tip and “trigger” switch. Extra parts are available
- Soldering Irons. Soldering irons come in a variety of sizes and styles. They feature a heated tip and insulated handle. Applications include installation, repairs, and limited production work. Extra parts are available.
Ceramic Heater vs. Wire Wound Heater
Most soldering irons are produced with a wire wound heating element, similar to the heating element of a toaster. This type of heating element causes resistance along the wire, and the resistance generates heat.
Recently manufacturers have developed new ceramic heating elements designed to use much less energy and wattage. The ceramic element passes the electricity right to the tip of the iron, which focuses the heat on the tip.
Considering that ceramic heaters are considerably smaller, manufacturers have redesigned the iron so the heating element fits inside the tip, while the wire wound models have the element on the outside of the tip. The
ceramic element heats up five times faster than the wire wound option.
To learn more watch this video from Hakko in which the company compares one of its ceramic heating irons with one using a wire wound heating element. The difference is significant.
Hakko Soldering Pots
Soldering Pots are portable devices used to melt solder and for dip soldering small items as well as tinning the ends of wire leads. They are ideal for smaller jobs that require reliable temperature control. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs.
Soldering Pots Applications
- Solder-based terminal treatment of lead wires
- Removal of electronic components from a printed circuit board
- Small scale production, prototyping, and chassis wiring
- Tinning large quantities of stranded wire
- Tin coating and preparation of electronics components and leads
- Clean excess solder from component leads
This video demonstrates the Hakko FX301-12 Soldering Pot. It features a ceramic heating element, multiple temperature settings, and a digital temperature display. It has since been replaced by the updated
Hakko FX301B-03.
Hakko Soldering Stands
Hakko Soldering Stands hold many different types of soldering irons. They make soldering and desoldering easier because they give you a safe place to put your iron down while it is hot. Most incorporate a sponge or other type of tip cleaner. Stands also make it easy to change tips when working on different types of components.
Some stands offer a sleep function, which reduces oxidation buildup and extends tip life. When the handpiece is not in use, it is put to sleep. Also, some stands hold more than one iron.
Key Features of Hakko Soldering Stands:
- Holds many different types of soldering irons
- Non-skid base made of temperature resistant material
- ESD Safe by design
- Sleep function
- Two irons can be placed side by side
- Integrated sponge/tip cleaner
Hakko Static Control
Static Control Equipment protects users and equipment from static charge. Hakko offers a system tester that checks anti-static (grounding) wrist straps, grounding wires, and the contact resistance between the wrist strap and the skin
Static Control Applications
- For protection of sensitive components
- Avoid high voltage
- Protect your work station from static discharge
- Protect ICs and other equipment from static discharges
Types of Hakko Static Control:
Anti-Static (Grounding) Wrist Strap
Anti-static wrist straps protect ICs and other equipment as well as the user from static discharges. They are easily adjusted around a person's a wrist and attach to any ground surface with an alligator clip.
Key Features of Hakko Anti-Static (Grounding) Wrist Strap
- Adjustable
- Easy and comfortable to use
- Convenient length
Hakko Soldering Iron Tips
Soldering Tips transfer the heat to the connection point. They are essential to the soldering process and come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs. It is important to maintain and replace tips when needed to ensure efficiency. Therefore, it is a good idea to purchase spare tips in advance. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Types of Tips
Soldering tips come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet a range of needs.
- Standard Gun Tip
- Screwdriver Tip
- Chisel Tip
- Conical. Series and long
- Hot Knife Tip
- Reach Threaded Tiplet
- Threadless Desoldering Tiplet
- Reach EPH Micropoint Tip
- Single Flat Tip
- Sloped
- Bent Chisel
- Reach Round LT Series Tip. Bent round, long round
- Blade Tip
- Cone Shaped
- Bevel tip
- Micro tip
- Thermal Tweezers
- Needle Tip