question about solder iron tip- if it turns purple is it bad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: kq702
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 06:57:45 am
content: Hi I have a 3-in-1 rework machine (has hot air, solder and desolder iron built in) and latlety it seems the entire solder tip that I have on the solder iron is turning purple. See photos below of two tips that I have been recently using.I was wondering if that means its time for a new solder iron? I know the station has a plug to disconnect and replace the entire iron. These are all fairly new tips, allthough the iron itself is about a year old. I only used them tips in the photos several times. They are OEM hakko tips too, so I know it isnt a posability the metal is low quality.Speeking of turning purple I also recently purchased a radioshack desolder iron (sometimes I need to use two at the same time thats why I purchased another desolder iron). I only used it one time (but for about 15 minutes) and the barrel connecting the solder tip to the solder iron has browned a bit which is normal, but the area right below the pressure screw is also turning purple. See photo below. I was just wondering if this is normal or is this showing signs of overheating?

author: Kremmen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 07:21:53 am
content: Nothing wrong with the tip - just normal heat induced oxidation. Knowing nothing about those irons it is hard to say if they overheat. If there is no temperature control, it is certain that the temp will vary and will get rather high if the iron runs idle for longer periods.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 07:57:32 am
content: Take a look at this video:It may answer your questions. (Jump to 6 minutes for the relevant bit.)

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 09:16:26 am
content: I will happen withing the first use or two, nothing wrong.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 09:34:27 am
content: Just make sure you have been cleaning it, it's natural that it will be oxidised

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 09:54:35 am
content: if you keep cleaning the oxidisation off it will just keep oxidizing, just leave it and once it has formed a layer it will stop oxidising. The tip will need cleaning but that will remain with a coat of solder on it so can't oxidize

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 12:27:14 pm
content: No problem at all. You just need to care about the tip.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 01:08:09 am
content: Quote from: Electroalek on November 04, 2012, 12:45:09 amIt's not a problem, therefore no need to "fix" it.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 08:34:40 am
content: Quote from: Electroalek on November 04, 2012, 12:45:09 amdon't remind us !!! the lesson is don't try to fix what is not broken, don't be a clever dick

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2012, 09:13:06 am
content: its just a remainder for peeps who touched a soldering iron tip atleast once in his lifetime dont touch anything what starts to change its color when heated. and if its glowing red hot or white definatly bbq time