Cold Heat
Cold Heat is an innovative soldering iron heavily marketed via direct marketing campaigns. Unlike conventional electric or butane-fueled irons, the Cold Heat's tip undergoes a near-instantaneous temperature change from ambient temperature to nearly 800°F and back to ambient within three seconds when the tip is removed from the work. The tip of this apparatus senses metallic surfaces and is heated electronically.
The iron is powered by ordinary alkaline batteries for portability and is capable of melting solder up to 18-20 gauge. Like most soldering irons, the Cold Heat has an easily replaceable tip.
Unlike conventional soldering guns or irons, Cold Heat is less likely to cause accidental burn injuries since the tip is heated only when it comes in contact with the surface being soldered. A built-in light helps illuminate the project. The marketing campaigns are geared toward occasional users who may lack soldering experience and to whom safety is important. Cold Heat is proving popular with broadcast engineers for field work and for radio control hobbyists who frequently require a cordless iron as well.
The technology of the soldering iron could be used for other purposes too, but right now the only device using this technology is the cold heat soldering iron.