Here you'll find all the frequently asked questions and answers we've compiled for you.
A properly sized D-shape promotes uniform heat transfer thanks to its defined contact surface. In automated production processes, this can contribute to reproducible soldering conditions. The interplay between temperature, contact time, solder feed, and motion sequence remains critical.
Yes. Soldering tip type D can be used for both individual spot soldering and trace soldering processes. In spot soldering, the tip is precisely positioned at a solder joint; in drag soldering, it is guided along several suitable terminals. Which method is appropriate depends on the component geometry, terminal arrangement, and process requirements.
More about the differences between the two methods can be found in the article spot soldering vs. drag soldering in robotic soldering.
Due to its flat geometry, a D-shaped tip can provide a larger contact area with the solder joint than a very fine conical tip. This allows heat to be efficiently transferred to the pad, terminal, or wire. However, the soldering tip should not be larger than is necessary for the specific solder joint.
The D-shape is suitable, among other things, for soldering chip components, larger pads, and leads, as well as for spot and drag soldering processes. Wires and various terminal geometries can also be processed using a properly sized chisel-shaped tip. It is crucial that the width and contact area of the soldering tip match the respective solder joint.
Active soldering tips combine the tip, heating element, and temperature sensor into a replaceable unit. This places the heating element and temperature sensor close to the solder joint, enabling rapid reheating and stable temperature control even under varying thermal loads. However, since the entire unit is replaced when changing tips, this can result in higher replacement part costs. With passive soldering tips, the heating element and sensor remain in the handpiece, which can make tip replacement more cost-effective. However, their heat transfer depends more heavily on contact quality, tip geometry, power, and control. The specific application determines which design is more suitable.
For lead-glass and Tiffany work, we recommend the temperature-controlled HAKKO FX-601. It has the necessary heat reserve for long solder joints on copper foil, lead rods, and large solder joints, and is generally more suitable for this application than a fine electronics soldering station. In practice, the wide 6.5-mm tips T19-D65 and T19-C65 are used almost exclusively for this purpose. Smaller T19 tips transfer too little heat to the wide joints, thereby unnecessarily prolonging the contact time. Which of the two tip shapes is more suitable depends on the seam path and your preferred working angle. Set the temperature only high enough for the solder to flow quickly and evenly. The appropriate setting should be determined using the solder and flux you are working with, along with a test piece.
The actual soldering tip temperature is measured directly at the wetted soldering surface using a suitable temperature measuring device such as the HAKKO FG-100B or FG-101B. First, allow the station, handpiece, and soldering tip to stabilize at the set temperature. Clean and re-tin the tip, place it gently—without applying excessive pressure—on the intact sensor, and add a small amount of solder to ensure good heat transfer. Repeat the measurement under stable conditions. Only reproducible deviations should be corrected and documented using the offset or calibration function, as described in the operating instructions.
Yes. HAKKO T39 soldering tips combine the heating element, temperature sensor, and tip into a single, thermally tightly coupled unit. This integrated design enables rapid temperature sensing and uniform heat transfer all the way to the soldering surface. As a result, the tip temperature can be regulated stably even under varying thermal loads. The T39 series also offers numerous geometries, including B, I, D, BC, and K shapes, as well as special variants. This allows the contact area and thermal mass to be selected to suit the pad, component, and accessibility. T39 tips are used with the standard FX-9701 handpiece; compatible variants are also available for the N2 FX-9702 handpiece.
It depends. Whether older HAKKO soldering tips are compatible with a new FX station depends on the station, the handpiece, and the tip family. The FX-951 and FX-952, when used with the FM-2028 handpiece, use tips from the T12 and T15 families, respectively. The FX-971 and FX-972, in their standard configuration, work with the FX-9701 handpiece and T39 tips. Therefore, even identical tip designations do not guarantee interchangeability. Always check the complete product codes for the station, handpiece, and soldering tip before ordering. For special handpieces or conversion kits, the specific combination must be approved.
The service life of a HAKKO soldering tip cannot be generally specified in operating hours. It depends on the soldering temperature, solder, flux, tip shape, application, cleaning, and idle time at high temperatures. Use the lowest temperature at which the solder joint forms quickly. Clean the tip gently and fully re-tin the soldering surface immediately afterward. During breaks, use the temperature reduction feature or automatic shut-off. Files, abrasives, and vigorous tapping damage the protective coating. The tip should be replaced if pitting, deformation, or consistently poor wetting occurs.
