Soldering iron tip for threads inserts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kuon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2022, 04:22:25 pm
content: I prints things in 3d, and I very often have to insert metal threads insert in the holes.To insert them, I use my soldering iron with a pair of tweezers, but because my tip is conical, it is quite hard to insert them vertically. For very small series, it is ok, but I now have to build a few prototype, and I have about 100 M3 thread inserts to put in.I have a Weller WD1M base with a WP 120 iron, and I was wondering if I could find a better tip for it.But I have a few issues:- I can't find the list of compatible nozzles, the weller site keeps telling me there is no tip for my "sale region". And also the model I have are not listed on it.- I naively thought there was some compatibility between brands, and at least within the same brand, but all tips attachment I find on digikey seem different.- On the tips I have, it is written "AL" but I can't find a AL serie of tipsThe shape of the tip I am looking for would be like this (mm):Do you know anything with this approximate shape (2.4mm is max diameter of the center, it can be smaller, 5mm length is max to avoid being longer than the insert, other dimensions matter less) I could put on my iron?Or if you know any other way, I'd be interested. (specialized tool...)Thanks

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 04:05:24 pm
content: Quote from: kuon on April 23, 2022, 04:22:25 pmIf you look on the WP 120 page, it clearly says it uses “XT series” tips.They make one tip that’s actually an M4 external thread. Maybe you could have someone turn a copper or brass piece for you that can screw onto that to give you the 2.4mm cylinder you need.

author: kuon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 04:09:39 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on April 25, 2022, 04:05:24 pmFor some reason I was unable to find the catalog with the WP 120 in it, but after more googling I found the datasheet mentioning the XT tip.I guess the M4 tip thing is a good idea.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 04:19:48 pm
content: I'd do it this way, drill presses have end stops and solves all the vertical alignment woes. If you had quite a few to do you can make a jig. A massive drill press isn't required, the small ones are quite common these days. An alternative is convert a bottle top capper, they work on a similar principle.Two ideas not enough? If you have a jig (and therefore a free hand) you can use a clamp, something like a trigger clamp would work, you can drill a hole into it and create a stop with a nail or screw.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 07:27:28 pm
content: Quote from: kuon on April 25, 2022, 04:09:39 pmThat’s odd. The first google result I get for “Weller wp 120” ishttps://www.weller-tools.com/professional/EUR/en/Professional/Soldering+technology/Soldering+irons/Power+Response/WP+120which clearly says XT tips.

author: kuon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 08:14:28 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on April 25, 2022, 07:27:28 pmIf I open this link I have the following message:"Unfortunately there are no articles currently available in your sales area."I used duckduck go with !pdf to get the datasheet.

author: BrokenYugo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2022, 10:53:16 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on April 25, 2022, 04:19:48 pmSeems silly to use a soldering iron at that point, get a hot plate, electric skillet/griddle, etc. to keep the inserts hot and ready. Unless they really don't hold enough heat to pull that off without cranking the temp and burning the plastic?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2022, 11:24:57 am
content: Quote from: kuon on April 25, 2022, 08:14:28 pmSo… set it to the correct sales area?

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2022, 01:59:24 pm
content: Quote from: BrokenYugo on April 25, 2022, 10:53:16 pmIf you were doing the same job over and over it might work. Harder to mess it up this way though as it will only insert under a little pressure right as it hits melt point.

author: BlackICE
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2022, 07:34:09 am
content: I have 2 T12 clones but I still keep my Weller 1010NA so I can use these if needed.https://www.amazon.com/Cqyueen-Heat-Set-Installation-Inserts-Connect/dp/B09KC1KCK2/Other tips also fit Hakko 888.https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61HZcpgcSxL._AC_SX522_.jpg

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2022, 08:15:59 am
content: Rather than a full drill press, what about one of those drill press adapters for a hand held electric drill or Dremel etc, with a 3D printed (etc) adapter so you can fit your soldering iron into it?Like this:https://3dmixers.com/m/438723-dremel-drill-press-soldering-iron-adapter