Electronic – New soldering iron turns black as soon as it reaches 350C

soldering

I can't even tin it as it turns black befor I reach melting temperature. I tried 6 different tips and result is the same – it turns black and solder doesn't stick, I've no Idea what to do at this point also it smokes when reaches about 350C.

Is it just broken soldering iron and I need to buy a better one or I don't understand something?

I only tried Eutectic Solder, 5 tip were from same source 1 from other. I don't know brands.

Soldering iron is one of those cheep chinese variable temperature ones

Here's photo of it
enter image description here

Best Answer

I can't even tin it as it turns black before I reach melting temperature.

What kind of solder is that?!

The highest melting point of the eutectic solder I have ever seen was around 300°C. Most of the commonly used solders melt way under 250°C. No wonder your iron tip turns black.

This is not to say there are no solders that need higher temperature, only that it is highly unlikely you'd ever need one.

Another possible reason for tip turning black is using plumbing solder or flux.

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