Those who occasionally repair electronic gadgets know the importance of using hot air rework stations. They assist you to safely solder as well as de-solder electronic components and parts in less time and with great accuracy. Moreover, they are perfect for attaching and detaching SMD components like PLCCs, BGAs, QFNs, and SOICs.
You may find these tools being widely used for applications like preheating, lacquer removal, and heat shrinking. The hot air rework stations are all-in-one appliances that are famous among welding hobbyists and professional electricians.
- Temperature Control: The majority of the hot air rework stations accessible in the market come equipped with temperature control. This feature makes it convenient to adjust the temperature according to the needs. It is essential to look for a soldering tool that is equipped with temperature control adjustments.
- Heat up Time: Before making a purchase, you need to know how long does it take for the tip of the rework station to heat up. The wise idea is to look for a tool that is equipped with a tip that heats up rapidly. The quick heat-up time makes sure you do not waste much time warming up. Also, it is advisable to look for a hot air rework station that comes with faster heat recovery ability.
- Nozzle: It is important to select the appropriate tip for the job. To use a hot air rework station, attach the nozzles to the wand and then tighten with the help of a screwdriver to perfectly hold it in place. The included nozzles must be easy to swap out.
Apart from the above factors, you should also consider temperature control, safety features, heat up time, airflow, nozzle type, and versatility. You can go through our “Buying Guide” for a detailed understanding of these factors.
Go through the details of the best hot air rework stations:
Best Hot Air Rework Stations
| hot air rework station | Materials | Display | Weight | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yihua Hot Air Rework Station | Plastic, Steel | 3 LED tubes | 8.13 pounds | Check On Amazon |
| Aoyue Hot Air Rework Station | Metal | Digital | 11 pounds | Check On Amazon |
| Quick Rework Station | Metal | LCD | 10 pounds | Check On Amazon |
| Newacalox Hot Air Rework Station | ABS+metal | Digital LED Display | 3.97 pounds | Check On Amazon |
| Noevsbig Hot Air Rework Station | ABS | Dual digital LED | 4.12 pounds | Check On Amazon |
5 Best Hot Air Rework Stations Reviews
1. Yihua Hot Air Rework Station
The 2-in-1 hot air rework station can control the temperature in both °F and °C. It comes with multiple functions that indicate its versatility. This YIHUA tool is famous for its cutting-edge temperature control technology, protection features, ease of programming, and vivid digital display.
Looking at its key specifications, it is built from plastic and steel. The unit weighs 8.13 pounds, so it is portable. There is a 3 LED tubes display. It accurately shows the temperature. With the help of this display, you can effortlessly alter the digital readouts on the LCD. The dual blue LED digital display shows the temperature for hot air gun and soldering iron. There is a blue digital display that shows airflow.
It is easy to switch the readings from Centigrade to Fahrenheit, and vice versa. You can change its functionality by the push of a button.
There is the implementation of the PID temperature control technology. With the help of this technique, the program will cycle every 20 milliseconds. In this way, it accurately detects the actual temperature of the heating element present in the soldering iron. Moreover, it rapidly corrects it through a rapid return to the appropriate set temperature.
One safety feature implemented is the exclusive air function either manual or automatic. The air gun automatic function makes sure the heat is automatically eliminated when the air gun is placed in its holder.
Pros
- Adjustable and readable LED display
- ESD safe design of soldering iron to safeguard sensitive components
Quiet operation - Space-saving design
- Easy to calibrate the temperature and transit from °C to °F
- Stylish appearance
- No safety issues
Cons
- The temperature readings may be inaccurate after the iron heats up excessively
2. Aoyue Hot Air Rework Station
There are several different tools included in this pack of hot air rework station. Each of them is designed keeping in mind precision and user-friendliness. This 4 in 1 repairing station is famous for maintaining a constant set temperature. Moreover, it allows you to easily adjust the airflow.
This Aoyue digital hot air rework station is durably built from metal. It comes with a digital display that precisely shows inputs and outputs. It accurately shows the temperature of soldering iron. You can precisely know the actual and set temperatures with the help of touch control. Moreover, this digital display comes with auto sleep function and a digital calibration facility. The weight of this Aoyue tool is 11 pounds.
The incorporated air flow gauge and knob adjustment maintain the airflow. The built-in microprocessor accurately controls temperature as well as airflow. The visual airflow is estimated by the microprocessor. It comes equipped with the self-testing type warm air heating core system. This system informs the user when the heating core breaks down.
This digital hot air rework station is famous for maintaining a constant set temperature whenever the set and the value are attained. There is the presence of a black protective cover on the tip. You need to take this cover outside before you power on the unit. The included smoke extractor absorbs the fumes generated at the source when soldering.
The extra features include automatic cooling and adjustable sleep timer. The kit includes a soldering iron holder, 10 soldering iron tips, a vacuum pickup kit, and extra heating elements.
Pros
- Digital display with touch control
- Supports fume extraction
- The temperature control knob allows increasing/decreasing temperature by one degree
- No overheating issues
- Maintains appropriate airflow
Cons
- Takes time getting used to
3. Quick Rework Station
The Quick 861DW rework station is an excellent addition to your workbench. It is useful for SMD work, and it can also be used for the high current soldered connectors. The simplicity of use, accuracy, ease of programming, and powerful airflow are the specialties of this digital rework station.
Taking a look at its key features, its body is made up of metal to offer high durability. There is a bright LCD included. It showcases three user-programmable channels, allowing you to easily change settings for temperature and airflow. Weighing just 10 pounds, it is convenient to carry this tool to different places.
This rework station works at 1000 watts of power. It comes with a maximum airflow of 120 L/min. The maximum temperature it can work is approximately 930 F. There is support for three channels along with airflow and programmable temperature settings. The built-in handle offers portability.
The 861DW tool rests in a stand along with a magnetic switch. This switch automatically places the station into sleep mode while not in use. This unit operates in sleep mode when the handle is positioned in the stand. The automatic cooling system increases the longevity of the tool and also protects the handle.
Its temperature precision is excellent for most soldering works. Generally, this digital rework station works flawlessly and efficiently for soldering projects that involve tin, lead, and bismuth. The additional features are automatic cooling function, automatic sleep function, key-lock functions, and password protection.
Pros
- Excellent efficiency works at 1000W of power
- Huge range of airflow, from very low flow to very high flow
- Bright LCD
- Lightweight and portable
- Sturdy metal construction
- Quiet operation
Cons
- A bit difficult to use initially
4. Newacalox Hot Air Rework Station
Next on our list is the Newacalox hot air rework station. This is a very reliable soldering station and can heat within 3-5 seconds. It has many safety features that make it the safest hot air rework station on our list.
The rework station is controlled by using an 858D microcomputer. It can reach up to a maximum temperature of 500 °C. Using this, you can solder multiple components, including PLCC, BGA, SOIC, and QFP.
One of the highlights of this rework station is the automatic cooling function. This feature extends the heater’s life and safeguards the heat gun. Furthermore, it has an accurate temperature control function. You can keep the pins intact and safely remove the BGA IC. All these features make this one of the safest and reliable rework stations.
The 858D also has a memory temperature function for heating quickly. When you turn it off at a particular temperature, it records the temperature. Again, when you turn it on, it quickly heats up to the same temperature.
It features an intuitive LED that displays all important information. When the temperature becomes less than 100 °C, the LED indicates that it is about to go into standby mode. If it drops below 70 °C, it will enter into standby mode.
Additionally, the hot air gun uses an effective brushless fan. Hence, it does not emit noise. It also prevents the return of the hot air.
Pros
- Quick heating within 3 to 5 seconds
- Memory temperature function for quick heating
- Reliable safety features
- Brushless fan that decreases noise
- Intuitive LED displaying important information.
- Automatic cooling function to protect heat gun and extend the life.
Cons
- Low durability
5. Noevsbig Hot Air Rework Station
If you are looking for a hot air rework station that can heat up rapidly, go for this tool from NOEVSBIG. It is an energy-efficient rework station that comes with digital display and several advanced features. The inclusion of an automatic cooling function makes it unique among the rest of the models.
The construction of its body is made from ABS material. On the surface, there is a dual digital LED display. It shows the real-time temperature. With a weight just being 4.12 pounds, it feels convenient to carry this tool wherever you go.
With the assistance of long-life ceramic heater and microcomputer control, this tool can heat up quickly and precisely. It can heat up to the set temperature within a few seconds. The highest temperature attained is 500°C.
The handle cover is made of flame-retardant material. Moreover, the built-in temperature protector automatically cuts off power whenever there is any overheating issue. The power is also cut off when the fan stops running due to damage. The quietly operating brushless fan effectively dissipates heat. The automatic cooling function prolongs the heater’s life and safeguards the hot air gun.
There is the availability of three types of nozzles i.e. 8mm, 5mm, and 3mm. The premium quality silicone body provides enough heating to ensure longevity and to save power. A sensor switch is available. If you grab the handle, the station will work in the working mode. When you put back the bracket, it would operate in standby mode.
Pros
- PID Technology provides a stable temperature
- Efficient engine
- Ergonomic designed and excellent portability
- Clear dual digital LED display
- Microcomputer control facilitates quick heating
- Easy to adjust airflow and temperature
Cons
- Low durability
Things To Consider Before Purchasing The Best Hot Air Rework Station:
Whether you are a novice or professional in the reworking tasks, it is necessary to get the best hot air rework stations to get the best results. Take a look at the things to consider for these tools:
1. Temperature Control
The majority of the hot air rework stations accessible in the market come equipped with temperature control. This feature makes it convenient to adjust the temperature according to the needs. It is essential to look for a soldering tool that is equipped with temperature control adjustments.
The minimum temperature found in most hot air rework stations is 100 °C. It allows you to use the rework station with heat shrink. The maximum temperature can be up to 450 ℃. The maximum temperature of 350 °C is considered satisfactory for most projects.
A temperature precision of approx. 10 °C is desirable. This allows you to vary the felt temperature by varying the distance of the gun from the target and varying airflow. Apart from temperature limits, it is important to make sure the adjustment of temperature is flawless. Some poor quality hot air rework stations may pose difficulty while adjusting the temperature. Make sure your chosen tool allows you to conveniently vary the temperature.
2. Heat up Time
Before making a purchase, you need to know how long does it take for the tip of the rework station to heat up. The wise idea is to look for a tool that is equipped with a tip that heats up rapidly. The quick heat-up time makes sure you do not waste much time warming up. Also, it is advisable to look for a hot air rework station that comes with faster heat recovery ability.
3. Nozzle
It is important to select the appropriate tip for the job. To use a hot air rework station, attach the nozzles to the wand and then tighten with the help of a screwdriver to perfectly hold it in place. The included nozzles must be easy to swap out.
The tiny nozzles are beneficial for focusing air over a small chip. On the other hand, bigger nozzles are beneficial for drenching a big area like huge heat pad sinks. The facility of interchangeable nozzles is available in decent quality hot air rework stations.
4. Airflow
Airflow determines how efficiently the pump or fan drives the air forward. Your chosen hot air rework station is useless if it cannot deliver the hot air forward over the chip or board you want to heat and move it into place. Bear in mind that majority of the all-in-one stations that combine hot air and soldering into a single device come with poor airflow. Even the space-saving designed rework stations come with inefficient airflow.
The minimum specification for airflow is at least 20 liters/minute. In addition to the efficiency of airflow, it is important to check whether the airflow rate is adjustable or not. You would require sufficient airflow to work on your target along with the capability to vary the flow rate. The airflow adjustments make sure the loose components are not blown away.
The cheap quality rework stations do not provide a facility to automatically adjust the airflow. With such tools, you have to manually guess a lower temperature whenever you want to adjust the airflow. Consequently, it leads to errors and decrement in speed. The benefit of high-quality hot air rework stations is accurate airflow and reliability.
5. Protection
One of the most significant aspects to keep in mind for hot air rework station is the protection. Before you proceed for the purchase, it is important to check whether the tool is safe to use or not. The overheating protection is the best feature to consider when it comes to safety. You must ensure that it has an ESD safe design for protection.
Some hot air rework stations come with safety features like overcharging protection, over-current protection, short circuit protection, etc.
6. Material
You may need to use a hot air rework station for a variety of uses both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, the build quality should be sturdy enough to ensure durability and stability. It is important to check the materials used. The hot air rework stations made up of metal, sturdy plastic, steel or heat-resistant materials are the best choices.
7. Display
Different input and output readings of a hot air rework station are shown on its display. If the display shows inaccurate readings then you cannot effectively use the tool. Make sure the equipped display clearly shows the readings. The hot air rework stations discussed below come equipped with one of the following: LED Display, Dual Digital LED display, LED Digital Temperature Display or LCD.
8. Weight
The need may arise to carry your hot air rework station to different places indoors or outdoors. It is therefore recommended to buy a lightweight and portable tool. The hot air rework stations in the present discussion usually weigh from 3 pounds to 11 pounds. This weight range is acceptable in terms of portability and simplicity of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hot air rework stations are equipped with a nozzle that heats the air and then blows it to the suitable microchip or cable which needs to be reworked. These tools are widely used for repairing any cable from being attached to another. Also, they are used for removing glue and some other particles from their surface. With the help of these tools, you can get the best refurbished circuits which are ready to use.
Firstly, you need to turn on the power with the help of the central on and off button. The moment the device attains a critical temperature, you can select the level of airflow you want to have in the nozzle. Now remove out the nozzle and put it near the cable or chip you want to clear or remove or repair. The adjuster button can boost airflow or can instruct you to raise the temperature for precision.
The process adopted by the hot air rework stations is not exactly surgical, so it saves a great number of times. With the use of some other tools, the existing solder and parts may get removed along with the circuit board. One more benefit of using a hot air rework station is it can be used as a soldering station, due to their multipurpose functionality.
You can simultaneously resolder many different components. It is possible to quickly take out a faulty electrical part from the circuit board as well as resolder the particular area in a few minutes. Moreover, these tools are non-contact, so they prevent damage to other parts of the circuit.
Due to their ubiquity, several technicians are trained to precisely use hot air-type stations. Consequently, if you are adding to your facility or substituting an aging unit then a hot air station would take less time. Also, the expenses related to onboard is low. These tools offer better value than IR stations, and they are famous for their accuracy.
Firstly, the buyers should consider the power or capacity of the control unit which is to be used. After that, they must look for the multi-tasking potential of the tool. A rework station is intended to accomplish a wide range of operations, so it must be able to work flawlessly for simultaneous operations with the different operators.
It is essential to look at the other features like the accuracy and the overall quality of the reworking. The buyers must also make sure the chosen rework station guarantees the proper connectivity of micro tools and the inclusion of a variety of tips.
Conclusion
The hot air rework stations are devices are convenient tools that will make repairing tasks or working on electronics quite easier. If you take all the precautions then it is sure that you can safely accomplish the project, and with great efficiency. Apart from them, these tools are durably built, versatility, and come with user-friendliness.
From the present discussion, the YIHUA Hot Air Rework Station is a good choice in terms of cutting-edge temperature control technology, safety features, ease of programming, and bright digital display.
