New range of affordable rework tools for electronics design and repair engineers

RS Components is extending its competitively priced high-quality RS Pro range with a series of new workbench equipment, including a soldering station, a pair of rework stations and a fume extractor. These devices target repair work in production facilities, as well as in service environments or for engineers and technicians working in laboratories. The first of the new additions is a 60W LCD Smart Soldering Station, which is supplied with a high-end alumina ceramic heating element for fast heat recovery. The station has built-in data memory to store and recall three frequently used temperatures, in Celsius or Fahrenheit, as well as a temperature calibration function. It also features an easy-to-read large backlit LCD screen, which is brightness and contrast adjustable, along with auto-sleep and wake, and tip calibration functions. The second device is the SMD Rework Station, which is a hot-air station that also includes an attached heat gun holder. The temperature is microprocessor controlled with a closed-circuit design that provides high power and quick warm-up times. Other features include an LED display, adjustable airflow and air volume, and a brushless motor design with a noise level of less than 45dB. The third product in the range is the two-in-one SMD Hot-Air Rework Station, which includes both hot-air gun and soldering iron and stand. Featuring two LED displays showing the respective SMD rework and the soldering temperature, the soldering iron has an alumina ceramic heating element, and the Hot-Air Rework Station is very quiet with a noise level of only 45dB. Additional features include microprocessor controlled temperature and a calibration function. Temperature and airflow are also adjustable for easy surface-mount and through-hole component rework. The final product is the Fume Extractor Smoke Absorber, which is a versatile, portable fume extractor that can be placed on a workbench or desktop. It is ESD safe and absorbs up to 80% of noxious fumes quickly and safely using activated carbon filters, which are supplied separately. The unit has a quiet (42–45dB) built-in high-performance fan, delivering a maximum capacity of 1m3 per minute. Replacement filters are also available in the RS Pro workbench range.