Hotplate for SMT soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: elcomtel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 10:09:10 am
content: I'm wanting to start soldering SMT components without using a soldering iron.Initially I wanted to buy a SMT reflow oven, but I figured that a SMT hotplate would be more versatile as besides being used to reflow SMT PCBs it can also be used as a preheater for service work. So I decided to put off the purchase of a SMT oven and buy a hotplate instead.Now I've been inspired by lots of information on the internet about using electric fry-pans or kitchen cooking hotplates. The direction I have decided to take is to purchase a cheap SMT hotplate on eBay or Aliexpress specifically made for SMT work.The two following video/links describe the type of SMT soldering equipment I am interested in.WORKSHOP VIDEO #59: 946A+ solder reflow hot platehttp://dangerousprototypes.com/2013/03/14/workshop-video-59-946a-solder-reflow-hot-plate-workshop-video/?wpmp_switcher=desktopHot plate reflow test 1 and 2http://dangerousprototypes.com/2013/01/31/hot-plate-reflow-test-1-and-2/?wpmp_switcher=desktopGiven the two links to Dangerous Prototypes above I have found an identical unit.220/110V AC YOUYUE 946A LCD screen separator split screen machine - 850Whttp://www.aliexpress.com/item/220-110V-AC-YOUYUE-946A-LCD-screen-separator-split-screen-machine/1324975676.htmlIt would seem like the right choice to make to buy the 'YOUYUE 946A' hotplate given that it has been shown to work on Dangerous Prototypes website.My concern is that the insulation directly under the hotplate might be made from asbestos.I digress but the following item for sale on Aliexpress will illustrate my concerns about asbestos being used in manufactured goods coming out of China.Insulation asbestos board asbestos insulation boardhttp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Insulation-asbestos-board-asbestos-insulation-board/829073079.htmlI wonder what Australian Customs Officers would say if you tried to bring this into the country?I have found three SMT hotplates that I am particularly fond of.Super Fine MD-D15 150*150*145mm BGA SMD preheating board / bga heating plate /SMD hot plate/heat plate/LCD Screen Separator Toolhttp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Super-Fine-MD-D15-150-150-145mm-BGA-SMD-preheating-board-bga-heating-plate-SMD-hot/1532448397.htmlWholesale Price MD-D25 220V 1200W 250*250mm LCD Screen Separator Tool,Preheating Platform,BGA Preheater,Heat Plate,Hot Platehttp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Wholesale-Price-MD-D25-220V-1200W-250-250mm-LCD-Screen-Separator-Tool-Preheating-Platform-BGA-Preheater/1532502752.htmlFactory Direct Sale MD-D30 220V 1500W 300*300mm BGA SMD electric heating plate hot plate heating board,LED heat platehttp://www.aliexpress.com/item/Factory-Direct-Sale-MD-D30-220V-1500W-300-300mm-BGA-SMD-electric-heating-plate-hot-plate/1532747993.htmlI particularly like these hotplates because they are somewhat low profile at 145mm high.My first concern is that it doesn't have the insulation material as does the 'YOUYUE 946A' hotplate.It simply has a metal heat shield and relies on an air separation to protect the electronics.The MD-D15, MD-D25 MD-D30 hotplates are relatively more powerful than the YOUYUE 946A which is rated at only 850W. Perhaps the insulation material allows it to run on less power.My BIG BIG BIG problem is that I cannot decide which hotplate size to get.MD-D15 is 150mm x 150mm MD-D25 is 250mm x 250mm MD-D30 is 300mm x 300mmThe YOUYUE 946A is 200mm x 200mm in hotplate size.Now big is not always better and the 946A hotplate that is demonstrated on Dangerous Prototypes is 200mm x 200mm, so my instincts are telling me to buy the MD-D25 at 250mm x 250mm hotplate size.Then the other side of my brain is suggesting I should first buy the large MD-D30 is 300mm x 300mm for now and a few months later to get the small MD-D15 is 150mm x 150mm which in reality will most likely be doing 90% of my soldering jobs.So what are your ideas on this?I'm inclined to buy the MD-D25 at 250mm x 250mm hotplate. Do you have any thoughts on this?Another reason I want to buy this type of hotplate is to use it where you might use an infrared preheater when repairing faulty PCBs so to raise the temperature of the PCB to 100degC to make soldering easier.Many thanks for your thoughts and opinions in advance.

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 10:43:03 am
content: This is interesting. I've been looking for a stirring hotplate and I thought it'd be useful for reflow too. Turns out those suckers are pretty expensive. It never even occurred to me to look on aliexpress. Will do now though. Thanks for the heads up.

author: elcomtel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 11:11:57 am
content: Quote from: apelly on December 13, 2013, 10:43:03 amI've also seen 'stirring hotplates' on Aliexpress.http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=stirring+hotplate&catId=&initiative_id=You might also use other search expressions because I'm sure I've seen quite a bit of that kind of stuff.Prices are comparable to SMT hotplates.Also I'm not sure if an aluminum base is the best material for applications (chemistry) that requires a stirring hotplate.

author: Dagon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 13, 2013, 02:07:26 pm
content: Build one! I did something very similar to Jeff Keyzers hotplate project but with added fans:http://mightyohm.com/blog/2009/01/diy-pid-controlled-soldering-hotplate/Cheap arse PID from ebay, SSR, thermocouple, cartridge heater and some aluminium flat plate and your done.Works very well.