Solder robot - any users here? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 10:46:17 am
content: Anybody here using one of those CNC hand solder robots that you can buy in China from US$2500 upwards?Currently I have lots of LCD pins to solder and that will go on for some time.You have one? How good is it? Reliable? Easy to use?

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 01:15:48 pm
content: Yes, i bought a couple of them, to assemble LED strings. They are awesome.

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 01:42:44 pm
content: Are we talking about something similar to the attached image?If so, how you set the program? They seem not to be PC connected.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 01:44:45 pm
content: Yes, exactly like that.The programming is done with a PC, but then trasnfered on a USB key.

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 02:40:22 pm
content: Quote from: mrpackethead on July 08, 2017, 01:44:45 pmSounds good. What data you use? Excellon drilling data? Any visuals? Or does it come with PC software? In English?

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2017, 05:47:32 pm
content: I dont' entirely know the format, but i beleive it was X,Y cooridnate data. Our robot has two irons on it.

author: spanner888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2017, 10:41:45 pm
content: Thishttp://www.briandorey.com/post/diy-soldering-robot-project-completedlink talks about getting quotes for commercial systems and reasons why he did not purchase one, but instead built his own - mainly to solder header pins - so pretty similar to LCD pins.

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 01:15:34 am
content: @mrpacketheadCan it do vertical PCB soldering? (I think should be no problem(I think it can't because the solder wire can't adjust angle))Can you control the exact route when moving to the solder point? (I don't want to hit other components)How often it does tip cleaning?Any problem with dry solder spots?Any other things to look at?@spanner888Good link! Amazing project.QuoteHe wrote "quotes similar to a small new car". I think the Chinese robots are about $3000 ex works. Add a $1000 for transport and tax (in countries that have high VAT, such as UK). Maybe he got prices from UK importers that aim at EMS companies with larger pockets, or simply for more advanced machines from Taiwan or Japan?To his machine, it's seems very specialized on dual row pin headers. Which is very good if you do dual row pin headers. I have currently one dual row LCD and one single row 5 pin header. I could probably do that with one 90° panel turn.Since I can get one for probably below $3000 - and have no time - I will have a close look at some China offerings.

author: SMdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 01:35:26 pm
content: Check out this one here. The software is in Chinese only. Robotdigg have done some work on an english translation with screenshots and translations. Quite cheap too..If It had english or opensource software I would buy one, and am still considering one even with the chinese software! Ask me again in another 1000 solder joints...https://www.robotdigg.com/product/1025/Visual-Soldering-Robot

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 09:22:26 pm
content: I've wanted one of these, but the cost is a bit high for me. I did build such a setup that could be attached to my CNC mill, and it sort-of worked, but required me to stand there and watch it.I probably was using too small a solder diameter, so it would occasionally not wet to the joint and then pile up a bunch of curled-up solder wire and continue to fail. I converted it over to use a larger wire size, but have not tested it again.Anyway, I do a board that has 40 through hole connectors on it with dip solder. I paint the back of the board with liquid flux, insert all the parts and then dip in a solder pot. I occasionally get a few bridges or unsoldered joints, but it mostly works! I'm still looking for a better way to apply the flux. spray, roller or ??So, that might be something to consider.Jon

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 10, 2017, 10:21:22 pm
content: Quote from: mrpackethead on July 08, 2017, 01:15:48 pmAny chance of a quick video of one working?

author: SimonD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 11, 2017, 08:50:39 am
content: You can take a look and here :http://www.quick-global.com/9-1-soldering-robot.html"Quick' is well known company from the desoldering stations. (good job - value for money).

author: Yellofriend
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2017, 01:06:54 am
content: I went to Solder Robot Factory near Shenzhen yesterday. I always like to see the place, because manyfactoriesyou see on 1688 etc are actually 1-person traders. This was a real factory. The single rotational head machine was quoted at RMB 16000They did a demo on my, and their PCB (2.54mm Header) and it wasn't too successful. They used thelinemethod and not pin by pin (which is much slower, but IMHO safer). There were a few dry points, and LOTS of bridges. I ask to see point-by-point soldering. But they didn't bother to demo that.A few comments:The solder tip is IMHO way too large. Seems they want one machine that does everything, from electronics to water pipes. The smallest tip they had was about the largest I have (and never used). What I like would be a normal Hakko type tip.The controller has no I/O, that means, if your want to solder 300 points you need to program 300 points one by one. That would easily take a few hours. Ideal would be import of *.CSV files or similar.The tip cleaning wasn't setup. They did that manually. But if setup they use compressed air to blow the tip clean. The machine has no compressor, so you would need a compressor. That is not ideal if the machine is in your office (noise!).I will see if other machines are closer to what I need.

author: Reckless
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2018, 07:29:50 am
content: Which one did you buy?