AiXun CM30 Automatic Soldering Tip Cleaner: A Quick Review!

28 Nov 2024

I recently purchased an AiXun automatic soldering tip cleaner.

It has a couple of spinning brushes inside, a bit like an automated car wash but for soldering tips.

Here's a five-minute video demonstration and review:

So, what's the verdict?

I'd suggest it's an alright product; it certainly works, but notice in the video that for super-fine tips, you may need to move around the tip to brush all around it.

However, the product could have been much better with slightly more effort from the manufacturer. Also, I think it's slightly pricey for what it is. A fairer price would be close to half of what it currently retails at. I didn't like that spares seem very hard to locate.

If it ever goes on sale, and if you're interested in upgrading from wet-sponge tip cleaning for hobby/DIY use, it may be worthwhile. If you're already using metal wool (brass or steel) for soldering tip cleaning, it's harder to justify purchasing the CM30.

If you're using a soldering iron for work purposes and want an automatic tip cleaner, then you may as well pay the extra for one with spares so that it is serviceable. The Weller WATC100M looks interesting, it may be worth considering; I've not tried it. If you have any suggestions, it would be great to hear them.

Thanks for watching / reading!

Top Comments

shabaz 9 months ago in reply to michaelkellett +1

Just thinking, maybe the over-engineering is because that module inside is for robotic soldering systems? I have no idea : (

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Gough Lui 9 months ago

I'm still a spongey-kinda guy. I like to clean my tips without sticking them into ... dark and shady orifices ... haha.

At least, it's easy to know when the job is done when you can see the tip while you're cleaning it ... and also rest easy knowing that consumables are virtually nil ...

That being said, rather interesting to think there is a "carwash-for-soldering-iron-tips". I wasn't aware of this until now!

- Gough
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shabaz 9 months ago in reply to Gough Lui

Hi Gough,

I don't have a link to it right now, but there exists an automatic sponge-wash for soldering tips too : )

There's a trough with water, and a motorised sponge. It's used for robotic soldering systems.

Would be a fun project I reckon, in case anyone is looking for ideas. Since it involves sensors, motors, and maybe even water dispensing!

BTW regarding dark orifices you've given me an idea for modifying this gadget.. as silly as it is, may as well add some LEDs for illumination of the brushes at work!
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Gough Lui 9 months ago in reply to shabaz

Water and electronics ... hmm. That's a tough cookie to do properly ...

Well, using a Trinamic-powered stepper motor would be overkill ... ( Start a Movement Challenge) ... but maybe if my original idea fails, that could be another just for fun :).

I think some LEDs would be great! It would help to know when there's solder everywhere, give a better visual cue to aim or knowing if the tip is making good contact, although I suppose you could feel it through the handpiece as well ...

- Gough
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shabaz 9 months ago in reply to Gough Lui

Nice, looking forward to seeing the Movement challenge project!

I googled around and found this photo of an automatic sponge cleaner for tips. This is by Apollo Seiko, for robots.

I don't know where the water comes from, maybe it squirts from the tube at the bottom like a little fountain? Although, why that tube contains sponge inside, I don't know.
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Jan Cumps 9 months ago in reply to shabaz

> Although, why that tube contains sponge inside, I don't know.

I think it is a wick. It can soak up water from the container, and touch one of the rolls when not in action. Because of absorption forces, the water would spread across both rolls. It would remove the need for a pump.

That's my theory.
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Jan Cumps 9 months ago in reply to Jan Cumps

... looks like I'm not far off:
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shabaz 9 months ago in reply to Jan Cumps

Nice.. simple and clever!
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shabaz 9 months ago in reply to Jan Cumps

Nice.. simple and clever!
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