The Ireland-based BS Manufacturing's latest cordless soldering iron is claimed to set a completely new standard for the industry by offering precision heating power in the form of a tiny pen-style tool that is 19 cm long and weighs just 57 gm.

Despite being small enough to slip into a pocket, the tool delivers up to 120W output - double that of some competitive irons - allowing it to be used for heavy duty electrical work and silver soldering, in addition to precision electronic and model making applications.

The new iron costs around $35 and can be purchased online at www.vulkangt.com or distributors.

"The new tool - the P100 - is ideal for mobile installation, repair and maintenance personnel, and any factory staff that need mobility. It enables technicians working away from electrical power sources, or in difficult circumstances such as restricted spaces, to achieve high productivity. Among the many applications that can really benefit from the iron's small size are automobile mechanics and hi-fi installers, and security alarm technicians," says a company spokesman.

The P100 utilises catalytic conversion for the majority of its application configurations, delivering heat to the tip by means of infrared radiation. The fuel is liquid butane/propane gas, stored in the translucent handle of the tool in a similar fashion to a disposable cigarette lighter. This tank is refilled with a squirt from a gas canister - a low-cost consumer item in use around the world. Each refill provides around 45 minutes of continuous use at a typical setting.

Gas is ignited by means of a spark from a flint incorporated inside the tool's cap. Gas flow may be regulated using a slider, allowing fine adjustment down to 20 W, to optimise the heat output for the application. With the exception of the blow torch attachment, all of the tips incorporate a platinum catalyst which converts the gas flame to infrared radiation once the "light off temperature" of around 130 deg C is reached, he says.

BS Manufacturing offers a wide range of attachments for the P100 to configure the tool for soldering, silver-soldering, hot knife cutting, slicing, heating, igniting, shrink wrapping, melting, shaping, and other uses.

There is a rich choice of tips for soldering/desoldering, with eight styles ranging from 4.8 mm wedges for high power applications down to chisels or angles as small as 1 mm for fine work. One of the important advantages of gas power is the carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere around the tip which minimises oxidisation, making it ideal for repairing dry joints, says the spokesman.