juottamaskin

Juottamaskin, or soldering iron, is a hand tool used to join metal parts by melting solder. It typically consists of a heated metal tip connected to a heating element inside a handle, and many models include a temperature controller or a separate station. Electric irons are the most common type, available as compact pencil-style tools, gun-style irons, or temperature-controlled stations with interchangeable tips.

Tips are usually copper cores plated with iron to resist erosion. Common shapes include pointed, chisel, and various bevels to suit different joints. Tips should be kept clean and tinned to prevent oxidation and improve heat transfer. Soldering often involves flux to improve wetting and joint quality; lead-based solders melt at lower temperatures than lead-free varieties, which require higher temperatures.

Operation involves heating the tip and the joint, applying flux, and then melting solder so that it flows into the joint. The solder should wet the surfaces, not the tip. After forming the joint, heat is removed and the joint is allowed to cool. Temperature control is important: typical electronics work uses around 250–370°C for lead-based solders and higher temps for certain lead-free solders.

Safety and maintenance include working in a well-ventilated area, avoiding burns, and keeping flammable materials away. Protective eyewear is advised, and fumes should be minimized. Regular maintenance comprises cleaning the tip, re-tinning, and replacing worn tips.

Juottamaskin is widely used in electronics assembly and repair, hobbyist electronics, and small metalworking tasks where precise, localized heating is required.