Anritsu CR Series Soldering Iron Tip Temperature Probe
The Anritsu CR Series is designed specifically for temperature measurement of soldering iron tips.
The probe uses a contact-plate sensing construction that allows the soldering iron tip to be placed directly against the sensing area for temperature measurement.
Two probe sizes are available according to the diameter of the soldering iron tip, and each size can be supplied with either a Type K or Type E thermocouple.

CR Series Model Selection
Select the probe according to the diameter of the soldering iron tip.
| Model Family | Supported Tip Diameter |
| CR-31 |
Less than Ø1.5 mm |
| CR-32 |
Ø1.5 mm to Ø4 mm |
Complete CR Series Model Table
The CR Series is available in four standard model combinations. The correct thermocouple type must match the temperature measuring instrument.
| Model | Thermocouple | Supported Tip Diameter | Temperature Range |
| CR-31K |
Type K |
Less than Ø1.5 mm |
0°C to 500°C |
| CR-31E |
Type E |
Less than Ø1.5 mm |
0°C to 500°C |
| CR-32K |
Type K |
Ø1.5 mm to Ø4 mm |
0°C to 500°C |
| CR-32E |
Type E |
Ø1.5 mm to Ø4 mm |
0°C to 500°C |
Typical CR Series Probes
The CR-31 and CR-32 use the same basic sensing principle but are designed for different soldering iron tip diameters.

CR Series Specifications
| Specification | CR-31 | CR-32 |
| Temperature Range |
0°C to 500°C |
0°C to 500°C |
| Thermocouple |
Type K or Type E |
Type K or Type E |
| Supported Tip Diameter |
Less than Ø1.5 mm |
Ø1.5 mm to Ø4 mm |
| Tolerance, above 100°C to 300°C |
±4.0°C |
±4.0°C |
| Tolerance, above 300°C to 500°C |
±5.0°C |
±5.0°C |
| Response Time |
Approx. 5 seconds |
Approx. 5 seconds |
| Repair |
Non-repairable |
Non-repairable |
Choosing CR-31 or CR-32
CR-31
The CR-31 is designed for soldering iron tips with a diameter of less than Ø1.5 mm.
It is suitable for fine soldering tips used in detailed electronic assembly and precision soldering work.
CR-32
The CR-32 is designed for soldering iron tips between Ø1.5 mm and Ø4 mm.
It is suitable for larger soldering tips where the CR-31 contact area would not provide the correct mechanical fit.
Thermocouple Type
Both CR-31 and CR-32 are available with either Type K or Type E thermocouples.
| K |
Type K thermocouple |
| E |
Type E thermocouple |
The probe thermocouple type must match the input type of the connected temperature measuring instrument.
When the probe is used with an Anritsu HS-30K or HS-50K soldering iron thermometer, select a Type K CR probe.
Using the CR Series with Anritsu HS Thermometers
Anritsu HS Series soldering iron thermometers are designed for use with the CR Series probes.
| Thermometer | Recommended CR Probe Type |
| HS-30K |
CR-31K or CR-32K |
| HS-50K |
CR-31K or CR-32K |
Select CR-31K or CR-32K according to the soldering tip diameter.
Soldering Iron Tip Temperature Measurement
The temperature at the soldering iron tip can differ from the temperature setting shown on the soldering station.
Direct measurement at the tip provides a practical check of the actual working temperature at the point where heat is transferred to the solder joint.
This is useful when confirming soldering conditions during production, equipment maintenance or quality checks.
Measurement Method
Place the soldering iron tip against the CR sensing plate and maintain stable contact while the temperature reading settles.
The contact position should be consistent when comparing measurements. Excessive pressure is unnecessary and may damage the sensing area.
Allow the soldering iron to reach its normal operating condition before taking a measurement.
Published Tolerance
The CR Series published tolerance depends on the measured temperature.
| Measured Temperature | Published Tolerance |
| Above 100°C to 300°C |
±4.0°C |
| Above 300°C to 500°C |
±5.0°C |
For example, Anritsu specifies a tolerance of ±4°C at 300°C.
Response Time
The CR Series has a published response time of approximately 5 seconds.
This response time allows the probe to reach the soldering tip temperature quickly during production checks and maintenance work.
Contact-Plate Construction
The CR Series uses a dedicated contact plate designed for the geometry of soldering iron tips.
This differs from a general-purpose surface temperature probe because the contact area is designed specifically around soldering-tip measurement.
For this reason, the CR Series should be selected according to the actual tip diameter rather than simply using one probe for all soldering tips.
Typical Applications
- Soldering iron temperature verification
- Electronics production
- PCB assembly
- Quality control
- Soldering station maintenance
- Soldering process setup
- Production-line checks
- Repair and service work
Why Check Soldering Tip Temperature?
The displayed set point of a soldering station does not always represent the actual temperature at the working tip.
Tip condition, heater performance, tip size, thermal load and equipment condition can all affect the actual working temperature.
Checking the soldering iron tip directly allows the operating condition to be verified using the same measurement point that contacts the solder joint.
Selecting the Correct CR Probe
| Requirement | Model Selection |
| Tip diameter below Ø1.5 mm |
CR-31 |
| Tip diameter Ø1.5 to Ø4 mm |
CR-32 |
| Type K thermometer |
CR-31K or CR-32K |
| Type E thermometer |
CR-31E or CR-32E |
| Anritsu HS-30K / HS-50K |
Select Type K |
Before Selecting a Model
Confirm the following:
- Soldering iron tip diameter
- Maximum expected tip temperature
- Thermocouple Type K or Type E
- Temperature instrument being used
- Whether the probe will be used with an Anritsu HS Series thermometer
For tips below Ø1.5 mm select the CR-31 series. For tips between Ø1.5 mm and Ø4 mm select the CR-32 series.