1006_WT_#SolderJoint_Zeitschrift_USletter_48p_2025-02-07_prev - Flipbook - Page 24
Inspirerd by the voice of the customer
Ralf Zerweck gets his inspiration for new innovations,
such as the RT Active Tips or the WXsmart Tweezers
by closely observing professionals in the field and
identifying pain points or inefficiencies in their
workflow, which sparks ideas for better, more precise
tools. He also explores advancements in materials
science and electronics, pushing the boundaries of
miniaturization, heat control, and ergonomic design
to create tools with his R&D team that are smarter,
more efficient, and totally future-proof.
All about the perfect soldering tips
When it comes to the highlight of developments of
his career, Ralf Zerweck is especially proud of the
RT Active Tips. The most important invention is the
position of the sensor directly at the front of the
tip, which leads to fast feedback of the current tip
temperature. This ensures best solder performance.
Extremely high heating power with the smallest
dimensions, quick, easy and tool-less tip change even
when hot saves time and minimize the risk of burns.
“Changing the soldering tip quickly and easily is
one of the most important features of a soldering
tool. If changing is complicated and takes too long,
the user will not change the tip in case of doubt
and will solder with a tip that is unsuitable for the
application.”
Ralf explains that using the wrong tip shape or size
can result in poor solder flow, incomplete joints, or
overheating surrounding areas. The right tip allows
good control over solder application and avoids
damaging components. The tip and handle are
firmly connected to each other, which results in a
high degree of rigidity between the handle and tip
to enable highly precise application.
For him, the soldering tip plays a very important
role in achieving high-quality solder joints. Whether
you‘re working on sensitive electronics or robust
soldering applications, choosing the right tip and
maintaining it properly ensures that heat is applied
correctly, components will not be damaged, and the
solder joint is strong and functional. In industries like
electronics or manufacturing, where precision is key,
this makes the difference to the quality of the final
product.
“It is extremely important for our work to observe the market closely
in order to know what will be needed in the future. Development must
always be focused on the future and not just on current challenges.
Of course, the voice of the customers has also an influence on our
development work. We have to listen to customers and their ideas and
solutions for our tools. But it is just as important to understand customers‘
problems and then come up with independent, innovative solutions.”
Ralf Zeweck has spent more than half his life at Weller and is one of the
brains behind Weller‘s world-leading soldering technologies.
Concentrated soldering tip competence and expertise down to the smallest,
even ergonomic, detail.
