New - HAKKO 373 Solder Feeder Tube Units and Guide Pipes

January 6, 2021 Joel Carrillo

Making the perfect solder joint not only requires a good soldering station but also the right technique for applying the solder. This is where the HAKKO 373 Solder Feeder comes in hand. The wire is pushed through the tube system by a motor and drive system that can be set by the user to control the amount of solder and how quickly it is applied.

The use of a solder feeder improves the quality of soldering by improving the repeatability in the soldering process. Consistency in the amount of solder applied to each solder joint is now controlled, so you don’t end up with solder joints that have too little or too much solder. This also eliminates transfer soldering so that the flux in the core is used at the solder joint and not consumed when the solder is loaded to the tip and frees up your one hand to hold that wire or component as needed.

Most solder feeders apply the solder wire from the top side of the soldering iron, which works well, especially for tips that have a groove that fits the lead but feeding from the top side has two drawbacks. The first is that solder is applied from above and a good heat bridge is typically not formed. Without a heat bridge, you may have to hold the soldering iron in position for an abnormally long amount of time, causing damage to the printed circuit board and/or component. The second drawback is that the smoke created by the flux core rises when the solder hits the tip.

This smoke contains flux vapors that can collect and become rather sticky and effectively clog the end of the guide pipe or nozzle that feeds the solder wire. The constant jamming due to clogged guide pipes and nozzles, as well as the need for constant cleaning, make some solder feeders seem like more of a hassle than a benefit.

HAKKO has added improved solder feeder tube units and guide pipes so that the solder is fed from the bottom of the iron. This directs the solder in such a way to create a better heat bridge effect when soldering and more closely replicates the soldering process when solder is fed by hand. The new feeder tube units are easier to assemble and more ergonomic which makes holding the iron feel more natural. 

The guide pipe position is moved as close as possible to the soldering iron tip to improve accessibility for the iron, and due to the bottom feed position, flux vapors and smoke that rise from the soldering iron are less likely to foul the end which can lead to solder jams at the feeder.

 

 

 

 

The new HAKKO 373 Solder feeding attachment was designed to eliminate these drawbacks so you can get the most out of your solder feeder. The feeding guide pipe allows the solder wire to be fed from the underside of the iron. By doing this, not only is the view of your soldering iron tip not obstructed, but the wire can be fed right to the point between the pad, lead, and soldering iron tip to make an effective heat bridge, and the flux vapors rising from the tip do not collect on the guide pipe creating clogs, feeder jamming, and the need for constant cleaning.

Note: To properly utilize the 373 Solder feeder you'll need a solder diameter adjustment ring, the matching tube unit, guide pipe, and for those that would like a bottom feeder type you'll also want the proper hand piece receptacle. To figure out your correct configuration click here to see the 373 Solder Feeder Chart.

These new tube units are compatible with most HAKKO soldering iron handpieces and use a special receptacle that is adapted for the guide pipe and are easy to install on your existing iron holder.

-HakkoUSA