What is a solid copper tip?

Answer 1

The term is generally heard when talking about soldering iron tips. The tips of a lot of irons are solid copper that have been plated with iron. The solid copper construction makes them transfer heat very quickly and efficiently - copper is one of the best conductors of heat there is. The iron plating is a measure taken in manufacturing to insure the longest life possible to the tip. Copper and soldering alloys form a "new alloy" on the outer layer of the copper where the solder wets it. And this continuous wetting over the life of the tip causes lots of copper to leave the tip all the time during soldering operations. It won't last as long as it "could" if we treat it. By plating on a layer of iron, the iron stands up to continuous use for a long period (much longer than bare copper) as it isn't "eroded" by the solder. The thin layer of iron has almost no effect on the heat transfer ability of the plated tip. Plus, the solder will wet the iron. As long as the tip isn't burned by an electric arc (by soldering on a live circuit) or cracked or broken so that the iron coating is compromised (by using the tip to pry on components), the tip should last a long time. Remember to keep the tip clean when soldering. Never use any abrasive material to clean it or you will almost certainly destroy the integrity of the iron plating and reduce the life of the tip. Clean and tin the tip last thing before you shut off your iron.