question about solder iron tip- if it turns purple is it bad?

[kq702]

Hi I have a 3-in-1 rework machine (has hot air, solder and desolder iron built in) and latlety it seems the entire solder tip that I have on the solder iron is turning purple. See photos below of two tips that I have been recently using.



I was wondering if that means its time for a new solder iron? I know the station has a plug to disconnect and replace the entire iron. These are all fairly new tips, allthough the iron itself is about a year old. I only used them tips in the photos several times. They are OEM hakko tips too, so I know it isnt a posability the metal is low quality.

Speeking of turning purple I also recently purchased a radioshack desolder iron (sometimes I need to use two at the same time thats why I purchased another desolder iron). I only used it one time (but for about 15 minutes) and the barrel connecting the solder tip to the solder iron has browned a bit which is normal, but the area right below the pressure screw is also turning purple. See photo below. I was just wondering if this is normal or is this showing signs of overheating?

[Kremmen]

Nothing wrong with the tip - just normal heat induced oxidation. Knowing nothing about those irons it is hard to say if they overheat. If there is no temperature control, it is certain that the temp will vary and will get rather high if the iron runs idle for longer periods.

[IanB]

Take a look at this video:



It may answer your questions. (Jump to 6 minutes for the relevant bit.)

[Simon]

I will happen withing the first use or two, nothing wrong.

[T4P]

Just make sure you have been cleaning it, it's natural that it will be oxidised

[Simon]

if you keep cleaning the oxidisation off it will just keep oxidizing, just leave it and once it has formed a layer it will stop oxidising. The tip will need cleaning but that will remain with a coat of solder on it so can't oxidize

[ablacon64]

No problem at all. You just need to care about the tip.

[IanB]

I had this problem

It's not a problem, therefore no need to "fix" it.

[Simon]

I had this problem, and I kept removing my tips and cleaning them with a metal brush clamped on a vice, but one day I accidentally squeezed the tip a bit more on the vice and I destroyed it. Then I tried to push it back on the soldering iron and I broke the heating element and now if I set the temperature at 450C(maximum) it will be about 350C. A big trouble from a tiny problem   

don't remind us !!! the lesson is don't try to fix what is not broken, don't be a clever dick

[M. András]

its just a remainder for peeps who touched a soldering iron tip atleast once in his lifetime dont touch anything what starts to change its color when heated. and if its glowing red hot or white definatly bbq time