Did you know? 217 °C

SAC305 is 96.5 percent tin, 3 percent silver and 0.5 percent copper. It melts around 217 degrees Celsius, some 34 degrees above the old eutectic tin lead alloy.

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Metcal soldering technology

Soldering and desoldering irons

Soldering and desoldering handpieces for the Metcal MX platform are designed as hot-swappable tools: the MX-H1-AV soldering/rework iron and the MX-H2-UF ultra-fine handpiece connect to the MX-5000 and MX-5200 stations, while the MX-DS1 desoldering gun covers MX-500, MX-5000 and MX-5200. The MX-PTZ precision tweezer and upgrade kits for fine soldering (MX-UK2), tweezer operation (MX-UK4) and desoldering (MX-UK5) round out the selection.

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Buying guide

How to choose Soldering and desoldering irons

What matters when choosing: properties, comparison and typical applications.

Handpiece overview - MX platform

Model	Type	Compatible stations
MX-H1-AV	Soldering/rework iron	MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-H2-UF	Ultra-fine handpiece	MX-500, MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-DS1	Desoldering gun	MX-500, MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-PTZ	Precision soldering tweezer	MX-500, MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-UK1	Upgrade kit basic	MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-UK2	Upgrade kit ultra fine	MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-UK4	Upgrade kit tweezer	MX-5000, MX-5200
MX-UK5	Upgrade kit desoldering	MX-5000, MX-5200

Selection criteria

⚡ Check station compatibility - MX-DS1 and MX-H2-UF support MX-500; MX-H1-AV is for MX-5000/5200 only

⚙ Application determines type - MX-UK2 for ultra-fine work, MX-UK4 for SMD tweezer, MX-UK5 or MX-DS1 for desoldering

✓ Upgrade kits extend existing stations - MX-UK1 to MX-UK5 expand current MX systems without replacing the station

📦 Note tip compatibility - STTC, SSC and UFTC cartridges vary by handpiece type

Typical applications

Typical applications: Precision soldering of fine-pitch SMD components and ICs, vacuum-assisted desoldering with the MX-DS1 on populated PCBs, dual-handpiece operation at a single station for simultaneous soldering and rework, and laboratory use requiring reliable thermal control through RF self-regulation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Soldering and desoldering irons

What are Metcal soldering and desoldering irons and what industrial applications do they serve?

Metcal soldering and desoldering irons are precision temperature-controlled soldering systems designed for electronics manufacturing, PCB rework, and component-level repair operations. These systems utilize Radio Frequency (RF) heating technology to provide instantaneous temperature response and maintain consistent tip temperatures during thermal loading. Primary applications include surface-mount device (SMD) rework in electronics manufacturing, aerospace component repair, medical device assembly, and precision soldering work requiring thermal stability within ±1°C. Industries served include electronics contract manufacturing, telecommunications equipment repair, automotive electronics, and research laboratories requiring repeatable soldering processes.

What are the key technical selection criteria for choosing between Metcal MX-series soldering iron configurations?

Selection criteria for Metcal MX-series systems center on thermal requirements, tip compatibility, and application-specific tooling needs. The MX-HPDC double soldering iron configuration serves high thermal demand applications requiring simultaneous dual-point soldering, while the MX-H2-UF ultra fine handpiece targets precision work on components with 0.4mm pitch or smaller. Desoldering applications require the MX-DS1 desoldering gun with integrated vacuum system, whereas standard rework uses the MX-H1-AV handpiece. Upgrade kits like MX-UK2 for ultra fine work and MX-UK4 with solder tweezers expand system capabilities, with all handpieces operating on the same RF power supply across MX-500, MX-5000, and MX-5200 series platforms.

Which international standards and certifications apply to Metcal soldering systems for industrial use?

Metcal soldering systems comply with IEC 61340-5-1 standards for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection in electronics manufacturing environments, ensuring safe handling of static-sensitive components during soldering operations. The systems meet EN 61000-6-2 electromagnetic compatibility requirements for industrial environments and comply with IEC 60950-1 safety standards for electrical equipment used in information technology environments. Temperature control accuracy adheres to IPC-A-610 acceptability standards for electronic assemblies, while RF heating technology operates within ISM band frequencies per ITU-R recommendations. Additionally, the systems conform to RoHS directive 2011/65/EU for restriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment used in European industrial applications.

What are the main differences between Metcal MX-series handpiece variants and upgrade kit configurations?

The MX-H1-AV represents the standard soldering and rework handpiece for general electronics assembly, while the MX-H2-UF ultra fine variant features reduced thermal mass for precision work on heat-sensitive components below 0603 package size. The MX-DS1 desoldering gun integrates vacuum extraction capability for component removal operations, and the MX-PTZ precision soldering forceps enable simultaneous heating and mechanical manipulation of components. Upgrade kits expand functionality with MX-UK1 providing standard accessory sets, MX-UK2 adding ultra fine capability, MX-UK4 including solder tweezers for SMD work, and MX-UK5 specifically enabling desoldering functionality on existing MX-5000 and MX-5200 base stations.

What are the installation requirements and system compatibility specifications for Metcal MX-series soldering stations?

Metcal MX-series handpieces require connection to compatible RF power supply base stations including MX-500, MX-5000, or MX-5200 models, with all handpiece variants utilizing the same proprietary RF connector interface for universal compatibility. Installation requires standard 100-240VAC 50/60Hz electrical supply with maximum power consumption of 80 watts during operation. The systems operate on 13.56MHz ISM band frequency requiring no additional RF licensing, and ESD-safe workstation grounding through 1-megohm resistor connection to facility ground per ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards. Desoldering configurations additionally require compressed air supply at 0.5-0.8 bar pressure for vacuum generation, with standard 6mm pneumatic quick-connect fittings for integration into existing workshop air systems.

What safety ratings and environmental operating specifications apply to Metcal soldering systems?

Metcal MX-series soldering systems operate safely within ambient temperature range of 10°C to 40°C with relative humidity up to 80% non-condensing, meeting IP20 ingress protection rating for dry workshop environments. The RF heating technology provides inherent safety through automatic temperature regulation, with tip temperatures ranging from 200°C to 400°C controlled by cartridge selection rather than variable power adjustment. Handpiece cables feature double insulation rating with 2500V dielectric strength testing, while ESD-safe construction maintains less than 2V triboelectric charge generation during operation. The systems comply with electromagnetic compatibility standards for industrial environments, generating less than 150dB field strength at 30MHz measurement distance, ensuring safe operation alongside sensitive measurement equipment in electronics manufacturing facilities.

What maintenance schedule and service life expectations apply to Metcal soldering iron systems?

Metcal soldering systems require daily inspection of tip condition and handpiece cable integrity, with cartridge replacement intervals typically ranging from 200 to 2000 operating hours depending on tip material and operating temperature. Weekly cleaning of handpiece connectors with isopropyl alcohol maintains optimal RF coupling efficiency, while monthly calibration verification using thermocouple measurement ensures temperature accuracy within ±5°C specification. Preventive maintenance includes annual replacement of internal filters in desoldering units and inspection of pneumatic connections for leak integrity at 0.8 bar test pressure. Expected service life for base station power supplies exceeds 10,000 operating hours under normal workshop conditions, with handpiece assemblies typically providing 5,000 hours of reliable operation before requiring refurbishment or replacement of internal RF coupling components.