Accurate Measurement of a Solder Iron Tip?

I don't think one of the smaller thermocouples (e.g. click here) would significantly affect the tip temperature or measurement of it - the ones I've linked to have wires only 0.3mm in diameter.

Back in the late 60's at Sprague Electric, we did a lot of soldering with gas-fired soldering irons as part of the manufacturing process of a wide variety of capacitors, and had a department that made our own tips in a variety of sizes. The tips were made from copper rod, and were plated with cadmium or nickel. A number of studies were conducted at that time using thermocouples embedded in the tips. Unfortunately, I have none of the data from that time to be able to advise on any details.

Thanks for the link. I asked our Sourcing Manager to purchase one for me and the low cost allowed for an easy transaction with little arguing required by me. Cheers!

My pleasure, always nice to be able to help, even nicer when it's acknowledged :) Thanks for the GA.

Tom D.

Try a heat meter were you point at the heat source and measure it. They sell these at major electronics companies but I do not know the accuracy of these devices but they are used to look at hot spots in electronic equipment just point and measure without even touching the device!

I would go with one of the many laser/infrared "ray guns" These non contact units are available for a couple of hundred dollars(US) or less and can be used to measure the temperature of just about anything. Ed

Sadly you did not mention if you want a variable temperature at the tip or a fixed - always the same - temperature.

This makes considerable difference to the answer you need......

Please always mention full details as you know them, that way you will most likely get an answer that helps you further, far quicker.

(You are not the only one only giving a percentage of the required infos, I would suggest that at least 90% of the original posters make the same mistake....so don't be surprised or offended....)

Andy - he is asking about measuring the temperature.

But for what reason John?

Does he need to make sure that it is a a particular temperature or does he want to dial in a temp and know when it has got there.....or is he just checking such units for accuracy?

I have a variable temperature soldering iron with a display of the temp I want and the one achieved.

Naturally they should (and do) end up identical.

Its great for most types of soldering, even lead free is just achievable. Plenty of different tips available or "file your own!".....

It cost new less than €40 ($60?), which is a gift, so I would not want to make one. Look here:-

http://www.pollin.de/shop/dt/NTQ5OTUxOTk-/Werkstatt/Loettechnik/Loetgeraete/Loetstation_ZD_931.html

AG - This is a fair assessment of an inadequate query. I am looking for a measurement of the fixed temperature. I will be changing the temperature, but allowing the system to reach equilibrium. Also, it should be noted that I am not looking for a NIST traceable measurement. That is likely to be important to others.

I had been using a professional Variable-Temp Soldering Irons tip temperature measuring Equipment. Try Wellers [one of major manufacturers of Soldering Equipment, my company was using & testing also] or Fluke.

Normal DVMMs are using accessories for such measurements are like Panel Meter just for an approximation not accurate measurements. If you are using a Fluke or Tektronix or HP DVMM they have a vast range of accessories to extend such testing facillties.

I am out of touch practically at this age and can only refer to sources I had been using in my practical life.

Hope you could search or enquire from some of the vendors of above manufactures equipment. Rs & Farnells are some of those and Maplin is a retailer & if there is in your location have a visit and are helpful people.

Good luck.

Try SL-30 or SL-30A on internet, you will find someone in you area selling this reasonably priced digital display soldering iron it indicates tip temp or set temp and at 48W has quick recovery. Adjustable between 170°C and around 450°C.

The infrared gun would be a good method if you could fill the field of view with the tip. This leaves the thermocouple as your best option. I suggest you use a small type K thermocouple (maybe 0.1 mm). I like to drill a small hole in the tip and either swage or braze the thermocouple bead into the hole. It's not necessary to make a thermocouple bead and attach it to the tip. If you prefer, you can attach one thermocouple wire to one side of the tip and the other wire to the other side of the tip. The reading will be the average of the two junction temperatures. You want to avoid attaching a large thermocouple bead to the tip surface because the junction will operate at considerably lower temperature than the tip.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_16568929