10 Best PACE Soldering Tools
for June 2023

As a history major with a passion for science, I've always been intrigued by the evolution of technological advancements over the years. One particular company that has caught my attention is PACE Worldwide, an industry leader in the field of soldering and rework equipment. Let's dive into the fascinating history of Pace soldering tools and how they have made their mark in the industry.

Pace Worldwide was founded in 1958 by Karl F. Pickhardt and has been dedicated to providing high-quality soldering and rework solutions ever since. The company has a long-standing reputation for its innovative products and its commitment to customer satisfaction.

In the early years, Pace began manufacturing soldering equipment for the aerospace industry. Their early products were designed for the specific requirements of the aerospace industry where high demands were placed on accuracy, performance, and reliability. Through the 60s and 70s, Pace continued to innovate and expand its product line into other industries.

One significant milestone in Pace's history occurred in the early 1980s when the company developed the first soldering station with a digital temperature display. The ST-20 Soldering Station revolutionized the industry by enabling precise temperature control, eliminating the need for guesswork and trial-and-error.

Pace continued to lead the way in the field of soldering and rework technology with the introduction of AccuDrive, a patented technology that provides instantaneous load sensing and on-demand power, ensuring more accurate temperature control and greater efficiency. This technology also reduces stress on electronic components, which is particularly crucial with modern, more delicate technology.

In the mid-1990s, PACE introduced the PRC 2000 Soldering and Rework Center, which set new standards in productivity, simplicity, and quality. The PRC 2000 was a versatile and affordable system, incorporating all of the soldering, desoldering, and rework functions into one compact station.

One of the most recent innovations that have revolutionized the industry is the ADS200 AccuDrive Production Soldering Station, which provides unsurpassed thermal performance and high-level accuracy. The AccuDrive Blue Series, which includes the ADS200, has taken the industry by storm, offering a unique set of features and benefits that have once again raised the bar in soldering technology.

Alongside their commitment to innovation, Pace has dedicated significant resources towards research and development, customer support, and educational programs, ensuring their clients can take full advantage of their products' capabilities and features.

In conclusion, Pace soldering tools have come a long way since their inception in the aerospace industry. They have evolved into one of the most reputable companies in the field of soldering and rework equipment, with a proud history of innovation, reliability, and customer service. For any professional looking to solder or rework, Pace equipment is undoubtedly worth considering.

Key decision-making factors for a soldering tool like the PACE ADS200 include thermal performance, accuracy, ease of use, and ergonomic design. Let's dive into each of these factors and why they are essential for a high-quality soldering experience.

1. Thermal Performance: The PACE ADS200 boasts a powerful up-to-120-watt output that can handle even the most demanding soldering tasks. This impressive wattage output translates to fast heating times, hence reducing the time required to complete your projects. With such high power, the tool can melt and reflow even the toughest alloys and soldering components, creating reliable and durable solder joints. Thermal performance is critical when choosing a soldering tool, and the ADS200's high-power output makes it an excellent option for professionals and hobbyists alike.

2. Accuracy: The AccuDrive control technology used in the PACE ADS200 offers unrivaled temperature accuracy, without the need to change tip cartridges or to calibrate. This means that regardless of the mass of the application, the tool provides highly accurate temperatures, ensuring precise and consistent results every time. With this level of accuracy, you can confidently tackle sensitive electronic components without risking overheating or damaging your project. Temperature accuracy is a key consideration when choosing a soldering tool, and the ADS200 offers the best in the market.

3. Ease of Use: The PACE ADS200 offers an intuitive and straightforward design that requires no training to operate. The tool comes with arrow keys that allow you to adjust the temperature range between 380F/193C and 850F/454C without changing cartridges. The tip heater cartridges can be easily swapped, even when hot, and the tool achieves set temperatures within 5-10 seconds. This design allows you to quickly and efficiently switch between applications and work with different soldering materials without any hassle.

4. Ergonomic design: The new TD-200 AccuDrive Tip-Heater Cartridge Soldering Iron features a slim and ergonomic aluminum handle that is designed to stay cool and comfortable even during continuous production soldering. This sleek design reduces grip stress and operator fatigue, increasing precision and dexterity, especially when working under a magnifier or a microscope. The ultra-short tip-to-grip (under 1.9"/48mm) design ensures that you have precise control over the tool to accomplish delicate and intricate soldering tasks with ease.

In conclusion, a high-quality soldering tool like the PACE ADS200 must tick all the above decision-making factors. The tool stands out by offering exceptional thermal performance, temperature accuracy, ease of use, and ergonomic design, making it an excellent option for professionals and hobbyists alike.

FAQ About pace soldering tools

Q: Which is the most suitable tool for soldering?

A: The most suitable tool for soldering depends on the specific soldering needs of the project. However, PACE's ADS200 is a high-power and low-cost soldering station that delivers exceptional thermal performance and highly accurate temperatures, making it suitable for a wide range of soldering applications.

Q: Is Hakko better than Weller?

A: Both Hakko and Weller are reputable brands in the soldering industry and offer high-quality soldering tools. The preference for one over the other depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the project.

Q: What is the most powerful soldering station?

A: The PACE ADS200 is one of the most powerful and capable soldering stations available, capable of delivering up to 120 Watts of power. It utilizes AccuDrive control technology to provide instantaneous load sensing, on-demand power, and highly accurate temperatures.

Q: What soldering iron do professionals use?

A: Professionals typically use high-quality soldering irons from reputable brands such as PACE, Weller, and Hakko. These irons offer advanced features such as high power output, precise temperature control, and ergonomic designs to ensure operator comfort and efficiency during prolonged use.

One more thing - If you're in search of a high-power soldering iron that doesn't break the bank, then you might want to check out PACE's ADS200. This soldering iron boasts up to 120 watts of power and its AccuDrive control technology delivers highly accurate temperatures, making it the perfect tool for reflowing solder joints. It comes with three durable AccuDrive Blue Series Tip-Heater Cartridges, which can be quickly swapped while hot, and an intuitive interface that even beginners can use. And if you want to explore other options, check out Best Soldering Irons and Stations for a list of the best soldering irons and stations in the market today. Or, read our previous review on the four best soldering irons by Wirecutter in The 4 Best Soldering Irons of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter. Happy soldering!