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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Soldering and desoldering irons

Thermaltronics

The Thermaltronics SHP range covers ESD-safe soldering handpieces and tweezer handpieces for all TMT station types. Each handpiece carries the model designation of its compatible station: SHP-1 and SHP-MTZ for TMT-9000S, SHP-T and SHP-TTZ for TMT-5000S, SHP-K/KM/PM/SM and SHP-KTZ for TMT-2000S. Tweezer handpieces (SHP-KTZ, SHP-MTZ, SHP-TTZ) allow simultaneous bilateral heating of SMD components. TZ-KIT sets combine the handpiece with matching tweezer pairs as a coordinated complete set.

Model	Station	Type
SHP-1	TMT-9000S	ESD soldering handpiece standard
SHP-MTZ	TMT-9000S	Tweezer handpiece
TZ-KIT-1	TMT-9000S	Complete tweezer set
SHP-T	TMT-5000S	ESD soldering handpiece standard
SHP-TTZ	TMT-5000S	Tweezer handpiece
TZ-KIT-2	TMT-5000S	Complete tweezer set
SHP-K / SHP-KM	TMT-2000S	ESD soldering handpiece, two variants
SHP-PM / SHP-SM	TMT-2000S	ESD handpiece with RMP-1 pad
SHP-KTZ	TMT-2000S	Tweezer handpiece
TZ-KIT-3	TMT-2000S	Complete tweezer set
SHP-S	SP200	ESD handpiece with RMP-1 pad

⚡ ESD-safe design - all SHP handpieces suitable for use in EPA zones

⚙ Cartridge tip compatibility - SHP-K compatible with OKI PS-900 (cross-station use)

✓ Tweezer handpieces - bilateral simultaneous heating for SMD chip rework (0805, 1206 and larger)

✦ Integrated RMP-1 pad - SHP-P, SHP-PM, SHP-S, SHP-SM protect against burns during tip change

Typical applications: ESD-safe hand soldering of SMD and THT components at TMT stations, SMD chip rework with tweezer handpieces, switching between soldering tasks by handpiece change without changing station, and use in EPA zones of electronics assembly and repair.

What are soldering and desoldering irons and what are their primary industrial applications?

Soldering and desoldering irons are precision handheld tools that apply controlled heat to create or remove electrical connections by melting solder alloys at temperatures typically between 250°C and 450°C. These tools are essential in electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly lines, aerospace component production, medical device fabrication, and telecommunications equipment repair where precise thermal control prevents component damage. Professional applications include SMD component rework, through-hole soldering, wire splicing in automotive harnesses, and maintenance of industrial control systems where reliability and repeatability are critical for production quality.

What are the key technical selection criteria for professional soldering iron handpieces?

Professional soldering iron selection requires evaluating compatibility with specific control stations such as TMT-9000S, TMT-5000S, or TMT-2000S systems, ESD protection compliance for sensitive electronic components, and tip exchange mechanisms like RMP-1 rapid tip change systems. Power delivery capability, thermal recovery time under load, and temperature stability within ±2°C are critical performance parameters. Ergonomic factors include handpiece weight distribution, cable flexibility, and grip design for extended use periods, while specialized configurations like tweezers-style handpieces enable simultaneous heating of dual-terminal components for efficient SMD rework operations.

Which international standards and certifications apply to professional soldering equipment?

Professional soldering equipment must comply with IEC 61340-5-1 standards for electrostatic discharge protection in electronics handling environments, ensuring proper grounding and ESD-safe operation below 100 volts static potential. European CE marking under EMC Directive 2014/30/EU ensures electromagnetic compatibility in industrial environments, while RoHS compliance restricts hazardous substances in manufacturing. Temperature control accuracy must meet IPC-2221 requirements for electronic assembly, and safety certifications include UL recognition for North American markets and TÜV approval for European industrial applications where operator protection and equipment reliability are mandated.

What are the main differences between Thermaltronics handpiece variants for different control stations?

Thermaltronics handpieces differ primarily in control station compatibility and feature sets across the TMT-9000S, TMT-5000S, and TMT-2000S platforms, with power delivery ranging from 80W to 150W depending on the station. SHP-1 series handpieces for TMT-9000S offer the highest power density for demanding applications, while SHP-T and SHP-K variants incorporate RMP-1 rapid tip change systems for improved productivity. ESD-protected models designated with 'M' suffix provide enhanced electrostatic discharge protection for sensitive component handling, and specialized tweezers handpieces like SHP-MTZ enable simultaneous dual-point heating for efficient SMD component removal and placement operations.

What are the installation requirements and system compatibility considerations for soldering iron handpieces?

Soldering iron handpieces require matched control stations with proper power output ratings, typically 24V AC supply with current capacity from 3.5A to 6.25A depending on maximum wattage requirements. Connection interfaces use proprietary multi-pin connectors ensuring proper temperature sensor feedback and heating element control, while ESD grounding requires separate 1-megohm resistor paths to facility ground systems. Workstation setup demands adequate ventilation for fume extraction at minimum 100 cubic feet per minute airflow, proper lighting at 1000 lux minimum, and temperature-controlled environments between 18°C and 24°C for optimal thermal performance and operator comfort during extended soldering operations.

What safety ratings and operating parameters apply to professional soldering iron handpieces?

Professional soldering iron handpieces operate safely within temperature ranges from ambient to 450°C with thermal protection circuits preventing overheating beyond safe limits for component protection. ESD-safe models maintain ground resistance between 1 and 10 megohms per ANSI/ESD S20.20 standards, ensuring proper static discharge while preventing electrical shock hazards. Operating voltage typically remains at extra-low voltage 24V AC for operator safety, while insulation resistance exceeds 100 megohms between heating circuits and ground connections. Ambient operating conditions require temperatures between 10°C and 40°C with relative humidity below 80% non-condensing for reliable operation and extended service life.

What maintenance schedules and service life expectations apply to professional soldering iron handpieces?

Professional soldering iron handpieces require daily cleaning of tip surfaces and weekly calibration verification using 350°C reference standards to maintain ±5°C accuracy throughout their 2000 to 5000 hour service life depending on usage intensity. Tip replacement intervals vary from 40 to 200 hours based on solder alloy type and operating temperatures, while heating element replacement typically occurs every 12 to 18 months in continuous production environments. Annual recalibration of control stations ensures temperature accuracy compliance with IPC standards, and cable strain relief inspection prevents conductor fatigue that could compromise ESD protection or thermal performance in critical electronics assembly applications.

Soldering and desoldering irons

Handpiece model overview

Technical features

Typical applications