Hot air on the bench means a rework station that blows air at controlled temperature and flow through interchangeable nozzles, used to remove and replace surface mount parts, especially QFNs, multi-pin ICs and parts with thermal pads an iron cannot reach. Preheating from below keeps the board from cracking or warping. Too much airflow blows small passives right off the board, a familiar way to lose an 0402.
Pull the QFN with the hot air, but preheat from underneath or you'll lift the thermal pad.
Also heard as
- hot air station
- hot air rework
Related terms
Rework
Removing and replacing parts or fixing joints on an assembled board to correct defects or make changes.
Tack
To solder one or two pins of a part first to hold it in place before soldering the rest.
Kapton
Amber polyimide tape, named for a well-known brand, used to mask and protect board areas from heat.