Hot Air Rework Station vs. Desoldering Station

For working on circuit boards, you have the option of using either desoldering or hot air rework stations. Though similar in function, these stations still have pros and cons that may make choosing one over the other easier. Find out how to compare these stations and which you should pick for your circuit board work by reading this guide.

What Are Hot Air Rework Stations and What Are They Used For?

When working on printed circuit boards, you may need to remove old solder to make repairs and resolder the fixed portion. These stations send hot air through the device to warm solder for removal or resoldering. An all-in-one hot air rework station can meet these needs without requiring multiple devices.

Hot air rework stations come in many sizes to accommodate different printed circuit board sizes. Plus, you will find extra features available on some models, such as cameras, cabinet bases or nitrogen-capable components.

Common uses for hot air rework stations include using the solder feature to add extra components to a printed circuit board. For polarized components, you can use the desoldering tool on the station to remove the part. After reversing the part, you can then resolder it back onto the board. Most stations have vacuums included that draw away the old solder as you remove it.

Other uses of this type of station include securing loose connections or repairing defective or damaged components. For removing or reworking surface-mounted components, a hot air rework station is ideal.

To use one, turn on the hot air rework station and choose the correct sized nozzle for the job. Next, set the temperature and airflow rate to melt the type of solder on the board. Keep moving the end of the gun slowly over the solder to prevent damage to the board and evenly melt the solder. Use the vacuum component to remove the melted solder from the work area.

For a full-featured solution for making repairs or changes to printed circuit boards, a hot air rework station may be the best option.

What Are Desoldering Stations and Their Uses?

Desoldering stations are more compact than hot air rework stations. As their name suggests, these portable models will effectively remove solder for making repairs to components. Many desoldering stations have vacuums built in to draw the melted solder away to keep the circuit board clean as you work.

To use a desoldering station, turn on the device and set the temperature to match that required for removing the solder material on the circuit board. Put solder on the end of the desoldering gun to create a heat bridge to the solder you want to remove. Hold the heated desoldering gun over the place where you want to remove the solder until you see the solder melt. Activate the vacuum suction to draw the molten solder away from the board.

Desoldering stations, also known as desoldering guns, are small. This characteristic allows you to bring them to a location for removing solder. Due to their small size, these stations work well for removing solder from multiple pass-through components.

Key Differences Between a Hot Air Rework and Desoldering Station

When choosing between a hot air rework and desoldering station, know the pros and cons of each. When you understand what benefits you get from each and how each one may fall short of expectations, your decision will be more informed and you can wisely invest your money in the best station for your business.

Benefits of Hot Air Rework Stations

Hot air rework stations are larger and have more features. Some models include cameras to make seeing smaller parts on circuit boards easier. Additionally, these stations can allow for resoldering individual parts, which is ideal for making repairs or changes to individual circuit boards or limited-run products.

Additionally, hot air rework stations have the advantage of almost universal knowledge of their use. Most technicians receive training for using hot air rework stations. Therefore, if you need a new station in your business, the learning curve for incorporating it into your operations will be less complex than other forms of technology.

Disadvantages of Hot Air Rework Stations

The biggest disadvantages of hot air rework stations are advantages for some. Their larger size requires a fixed location, and you must bring circuit boards to the station instead of taking the station where it’s needed. Plus, their larger size and greater number of features compared to desoldering stations make them more expensive. The higher prices of rework stations may be beneficial if your business will frequently use these devices.

Benefits of Desoldering Stations

Desoldering stations are much smaller than hot air rework stations. Since they have a more compact design, you can carry these anywhere you need to use them. Along with their portability, desoldering stations are more cost-effective, making them a better option for small businesses such as repair shops.

Plus, if you need to work on tiny components, such as removing the solder from multiple pass-through parts, a desoldering station will meet your needs. You will still need a separate soldering gun to apply fresh solder if you must make repairs.

Disadvantages of Desoldering Stations

Unlike hot air rework stations, desoldering stations do not permit soldering of parts. Additionally, they do not have the numerous features available on some rework stations, such as nitrogen capacity, cabinet inclusion or cameras.

Desoldering stations may cost less than hot air rework models. However, if you still need the additional features included in some rework stations such as soldering capability and cameras, you may find a better balance by purchasing a hot air rework station instead of a desoldering station, soldering gun, camera and other necessary tools.

Check Out Our Rework Stations at Precision PCB Services

Hot air rework stations provide all the functions you need for removing old solder and resoldering circuit boards in a single device. Desoldering stations make removing old solder from circuit boards easier and faster in a smaller, more cost-effective unit. Which of these you need for your operations depends on how you will use the station and what your budget is.

At Precision PCB Services, we have rework station options that offer fully contained units with all the functions you need. Our training options ensure your employees will have the skills and knowledge needed to make the most of our rework stations. Check out our selection of full-featured, affordable BGA rework stations on our website. If you have questions about Precision PCB Services or our products or services, contact us online.