Method for selectively pretinning a guidewire core

A system for applying a layer of solder to a core wire for a guidewire, comprising:

• a soldering block having a first upper surface that defines a crucible having a bottom surface positioned below the first upper surface;
• a beam extending transverse to the soldering block and being movable vertically between an upward condition and a downward condition in relation to the soldering block, the beam having a second upper surface in a horizontal plane, the second upper surface defining a groove, the groove being sized to receive the core wire, the beam further defining a space sized to receive a portion of the soldering block that includes the crucible,
• wherein, when the beam is in a downward condition, the soldering block is received into the space and the groove is interrupted by the space containing the soldering block so that the groove extends in a straight configuration on opposite sides of the soldering block;
• and
• wherein, when the beam is in an upward condition, the soldering block is lowered in relation to the space.