During soldering, which accessory is used to protect nearby components by absorbing heat?

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Controlling heat transfer during soldering is essential to avoid damaging nearby components. A heat sink placed between the heat source and sensitive parts absorbs and dumps excess heat, acting as a thermal buffer that keeps adjacent components within their temperature limits. By soaking up heat as you apply the iron, it helps you achieve a solid joint without overheating small pins, plastic packages, or nearby traces. Solder wick and desoldering braid are used to remove solder, not to protect components. The soldering iron is the heat source. Therefore, the accessory designed to protect nearby components by absorbing heat is a heat sink.