Need advice on picking the best hot air rework station for SMDs? You’re in the right place!
SMDs have seen a hike in their popularity in recent years. However, soldering and desoldering SMD components such as SOIC, IC, QFP, PLCC, and BAGs can be pretty tricky as they are temperature sensitive.
Usual soldering iron or other devices are inept at performing these functions.
That is where our six best hot air rework stations for SMDs come in! They provide a controllable flow of hot air that is used to rework circuits and boards. They provide better temperature precision than the soldering irons and are faster and easier to use.
You can easily change the airflow rate and the temperature according to the type of job you are performing. Check out our list below for the six best hot air rework stations for SMDs.
X-Tronic MODEL 5040-XR3 Hot Air Rework Soldering Station (Editor’s Choice)
The X-Tronic Model is perhaps one of the best hot air rework stations as it features a high-quality soldering iron as well as a plug-and-play hot air gun, which makes soldering components easier and quicker for you.
Features
The X-Tronic Model is unique as it is equipped with a Samsung Microcontroller with PID Technology that helps you keep control of your soldering temperature. In addition, the entire station is digitized, making it extremely easy to use for the average worker.
The station’s total power consumption is about 1270W with a 500W Hot Air Gun, 70W Soldering Iron, and 700W Preheating technology. The soldering iron temperature is from 392-896 degrees F. Furthermore, the unit is entirely ESD Safe, ensuring you can enjoy your soldering without any disturbances.
The X-Tronic is also one of the best rework soldering stations as it is programmable to either Celsius or Fahrenheit. The cord length is about 56 inches granting you flexibility for the work. The hot air gun temperature ranges from 212 to 896 degrees F and features an Auto cool-down function that guarantees your safety.
Accessories include an IC popper, Goot Wick, Tweezers, nine soldering tips, and four hot air nozzles.
Pros
- Large temperature range.
- Preheating system included.
- ESD Safe.
- Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion included.
- Digital station.
- Includes a wide range of components.
Cons
- Hard to install.
- The bars and guides need to be taped down.
- Accessories are not high quality.
All in all, our hot air rework station recommendations include the X-Tronic because of the hot air gun and the preheating technology that makes this unit unique.
Aoyue SMD Digital Hot Air Rework Station – 968A+
No hot air soldering station review would be complete without the Aoyue Digital Hot Air Rework Station. Whether you are a circuit designer or just a hobbyist, it is the all-in-one solution for all your reworking needs!
Features
The Aoyue includes a Hot Air Gun, Vacuum pickup, a 70-Watt Soldering Iron, and a Smoke Absorber. The entire display is digitized to control and set the temperature and the airflow with touch control.
The 70-Watt Soldering Iron uses ten low-cost standard tips for the rework while the smoke absorber absorbs all the fumes created during the reworking process. Also included is an iron holder that uses a sponge or brass coil. The temperature range is from 200-480 degrees C.
For the 500 W hot air gun, the microprocessor easily controls the precise temperature and the airflow. The Auto cool-off process ensures the nozzle keeps blowing air until it is completely cooled off, elongating the hot air gun’s life and its heating core. Included are five nozzles to change the type of airflow and nine soldering tip types.
Pros
- Digital display for precise temperature control.
- Auto cool-off process for the hot air gun.
- ESD Safe.
- Fast and quick heating.
- Smokeless soldering due to the smoke absorber.
Cons
- Low-temperature range.
- Bulky build.
The Aoyue Digital Hot Air Rework Station is one of the best SMD rework stations due to its precision in temperature control and smokeless soldering. In addition, it is well equipped and ensures working with small circuit boards is more comfortable and faster.
Tek Motion LED Display – 858D – SMD Soldering Rework Station
The Tek Motion’s innovative technology ensuring precise temperature controls is what has landed it on our hot air soldering station review. Whether you want to fix up your laptop or cell phone or want the perfect Father’ day gift, the Tek Motion will never fail to impress.
Features
The Tek Motion uses only a hot air gun for the rework job. Included in the Tek Motion is the PID technology that enhances the stability of the temperature. In addition, the station includes dual LED digital displays that show you the exact temperature you are operating on.
The Tek Motion’s workstation is too noise-reducing and space-saving with the following dimensions: 10.2 x 6.7 x 5.9 inches. This unit is perfect for temperature-sensitive components such as the SOIC, CHIP, QFP, PLCC, and the BGA, where you need precise temperatures to keep the circuit intact.
Furthermore, the unit is also power-saving as it consumes a total of 700W. The airflow is about 120L/minute while the temperature range is from 212 -8442 degrees F. Included is an automatic cooling function to prolong the heating element’s life. It includes three different types of air nozzles as well.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Digital Display.
- Low noise.
- Auto cool-off function.
- Large temperature range.
- Easy and quick to heat up.
- Precise temperature control.
Cons
- Includes no accessories.
- Includes no soldering iron.
The Tek Motion’s PID technology is unmatched, and while it only includes a hot air gun, it is still our best hot air rework station.
Kohree 110V LED Digital 858D SMD Hot Air Rework Station
The Kohree LED Digital Hot Air Rework station is one of the best hot air rework stations in the market due to its high and stable temperature control and controllable airflow. It does the perfect soldering and desoldering job without damaging any circuitry.
Features
The Kohree includes only a hot air gun with a 100 to 450 degrees C temperature range. The unit is virtually noiseless, with a noise level lower than 45 dB. The wattage of the air gun is about 700 W, which ensures you don’t drain your power while working on your favorite projects.
What’s unique about the Kohree is the triggering temperature zero-crossing control that ensures the temperature remains constant and stable. In addition, you can modulate the airflow through a large knob. The maximum airflow capacity is about 120L/minute.
The digital LED Display shows the current working temperature accurate to the last digit. This makes it perfect for temperature-sensitive components such as the SOIC, CHIP, QFP, BAG, PLCC, etcetera. Included are three air nozzles to control the amount and focus of the airflow.
Pros
- Digital LED Display
- Fast heating.
- Portable.
- No noise.
- You can change airflow through knobs and nozzles.
- Precise and stable temperature control.
- Best for temperature-sensitive components.
Cons
- It does not include many accessories.
- Not durable, users reported meltdown within the first few months.
The Kohree’s place in our solder rework station review is well deserved when you look at the precise temperature stability and control it has to offer.
Hakko FR-810 Hot Air Rework Station
When it comes to the best SMD soldering station, none can match Hako’s professionalism. The Hakko Rework station’s unbeatable precision and programmable preset options have raised other competitors’ standards in the market.
Features
The Hakko Air Rework Station includes only a hot air gun attached to the digital display. The digital display allows you to read and set the temperature and the airflow level according to your preference. In addition, the unit is lightweight and compact, weighing only about 2.9 lbs.
The unit can store up to five user-programmable presets for airflow and temperature, so you do not have to set them up each time. That makes using it easier and quicker. Also included is a Preset chain function that allows the operator to join into five preset functions simultaneously.
The maximum airflow capacity is about 100L/minute, while the maximum temperature is about 600 degrees C which is the highest in our SMD rework station reviews. In addition, the integrated heater allows for automatic safety cool down, which ensures a longer life for your unit.
Pros
- Digital display.
- Precise temperature and airflow control.
- High maximum temperature range.
- Programmable preset functions.
- Preset Chain function.
- Auto cool-off function
- Lightweight and compact.
Cons
- No accessories are included.
- No soldering iron included.
Therefore, the Hakko is a unique hot air rework station with programmable preset functions and precise temperature and air control.
Weller 120V WHA900 Hot Air Rework Station
WHA900 Hot Air Rework Station includes analog knobs to toggle the temperature and the airflow rates. It is easy to use and is perfect for beginners.
Features
The Weller Rework Station has a hot air pump whose flow rate can be adjusted from 5L/min to 50L/min with a knob. You can control the hot air temperature primarily between 100 Degree F to 1000 Degree F. The output wattage of 650 W guarantees that you don’t deplete your energy while chipping away your circuits and devices.
What makes it significant is that temperature and airflow are controlled independently. You don’t have to readjust the temperature every time you change the flow rate. The sensor located at the nozzles enables the temperature to maintain constant at the setpoint.
Included is a standby button to power down the station when not in use.
Pros
- ESD safe.
- Fast heating.
- They are easily carried out.
- You can change airflow through knobs and nozzles.
- Precise and stable temperature control.
- Best for temperature-sensitive components.
Cons
- No digital LED displays.
- It does not include many accessories.
- Not durable, users reported meltdown within the first few months.
- Specific to Input line voltage compatibility
The Weller’s most significant disadvantage is that it does not include a digital display, making it hard to attain precise temperature and airflow control.
How to Pick the Best Hot Air Rework Station for SMDs?
When it comes to picking the best SMD rework stations, you might have some doubts about picking the right one for you. Well, it’s your lucky day as we have compiled a complete buying guide for the rework station:
Quality and Precision
The first factor you need to consider is the quality and precision of the station. Reworking circuits is a precision job that requires precise controls for temperature and airflow. So, go for those stations that allow precise temperature and airflow control. The quality is also essential because low-quality stations often go through meltdowns quickly.
Temperature Range
The temperature range of the rework station is of the utmost importance. Ensure the minimum temperature should be at least 100 C while the maximum should be at least 400 C. Of course, the higher the maximum temperature, the better it will be, as you can perform more jobs using the station.
Nozzles
Most air rework stations are equipped with different air nozzle types to change air flows and its concentration. In addition, it helps you control air diffusiveness as the smaller nozzles will concentrate air on small areas while bigger nozzles will diffuse it out. So, ensure your station is equipped with at least three nozzles, which will help you perform various tasks.
Air Flow Rate
Next comes the airflow rate! Your rework station should include a knob or a dial that allows you to change the airflow rate according to the job type. For example, you might want enough airflow to solder the circuit without completely blowing it off. Your station should have at least a 20L/minute airflow rate. If you want better airflow rates, we recommend going for the sole hot air rework stations instead of the ones with other soldering equipment.
Accessories
Some rework stations include a soldering iron and other accessories such as a smoke absorber, a vacuum, etcetera. These accessories can help you perform the soldering job more comfortably. So, we recommend going for one that has a wider variety of accessories. However, the airflow rate might be lower for these.
Price and Skill Level
Next, you should consider the price as well as your skill level. For example, hot-air rework stations can cost anywhere from $50 to $1000+. However, the cheaper ones might damage the circuit and not do the job you want, while the more expensive ones will bankrupt you.
So, we recommend beginners to go for the cheaper models, while professionals should invest in something more high quality because of better results.
Verdict: What’s the Best Hot Air Rework Station for SMDs?
So, all in all, air rework stations can make any soldering job more comfortable whether you want to work on small computer circuits or larger ICs. Unfortunately, the X-Tronic leaves the others miles behind from our six best hot air rework stations for SMDs.
It owes its victory to the extensive temperature range, airflow adjustability, precise controls, and the vast number of accessories included. You will never be wrong with a soldering job again with the X-Tronic!