hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Support for older Essemtec Machines Year end 2024. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2024, 07:55:25 am
content: It is my understanding that historically Essemtec has offered indefinite support for all its SMT platforms where reasonably practicable.However our local distributor just posted an announcement that Essemtec will be withdrawing support for CSM CLM and FLX platforms at the end of the year, mainly due to sourcing issues. First come first serve on remaining stocks of spares/consumables.FLX was sold up to around 2013 or so and is the most recent of those; to my recollection just a few years before that they were also selling a variety of other machines that at the very least shared quite a bit of DNA with the older platforms. E.g Pantera which is not mentioned by name.I'd be fairly surprised if there were a great deal of CSM or CLM (especially these) machines out there filling a critical role but I would imagine rather more FLXs still do a perfectly good job for a lot of people.I haven't found this announcement outside of a LinkedIn post .. so far.
What is going on with PCBWay 2024.05.06??? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mainr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 01:54:43 pm
content: Does anyone know what is going on with PCBWay?It is now May 6th, 2024. When I open their web page, there is (still) a banner at the top of the page indicating they will be closed May 1 for holiday.When I open the online chat, I get a message indicating the online-sales team is not currently available, then lists their hours as 0:00-24:00 Mon-Fri. (so they should be online & available).Individually, I wouldn't be too concerned, but given the two minor issues together... ?

author: mainr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 02:44:38 pm
content: They must be working through some kind of outage.I finally opened a chat, but was directed to 'PCBWay Europe' (first time I've seen that - I'm in Canada).I'm currently #6 in queue (also the first time I've been in queue for their chat - normally I'm immediately online with support).

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 02:48:18 pm
content: If you don't have any response, you could try contacting @ansonbao (PCBWay Marketing Manager)He is a user herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/profile/?u=120207

author: globoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 03:38:50 pm
content: I'm not sure about the online chat but in the last week I ordered a bunch of PCBs that they built and shipped to me yesterday. And last week they shipped an assembly order I had in with them. So they seem to be up and running post May 1.

author: mainr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 04:21:16 pm
content: Quote from: mainr on May 06, 2024, 02:44:38 pmUPDATEI was distracted & failed to respond when I reached the head of the queue, so the chat was closed.I tried re-opening the chat, but now the chat shows 'not available' again.

author: mainr
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2024, 06:36:56 pm
content: UPDATEChat seems to be up now. Of course, they deny they are having any problems...I was directed to leave (another) message for my service rep.For some reason, I get assigned a new rep periodically.I'm hopeful I'll get this resolved soon...

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2024, 09:07:38 am
content: In general, May 1 is Workers' Solidarity Day. This is a holiday that is celebrated in many countries.In Russia, for example, Victory Day is followed on May 9th and in some years weekends from May 1st to May 10th continuously.But... Amazon cloud has started blocking access to their servers from Russia.They could have done it clumsily and disrupted the work.Or the Chinese finally understand that you can't trust American resources, at any moment the crooks can simply deprive you of everything, so they move to another server.

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 14, 2024, 07:07:38 am
content: Hi,GuysI will explain that.Our holidays are on the 4th, 5th, and 6th. During this period, our French colleagues will be on duty online.You can send mails to your sales rep,usually they will handle it in the evening.
Fast turnkey pcb/fpc + smt vendors outside of China? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dav888
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2024, 08:18:19 pm
content: Been looking for alternatives to the usual suspects JLC and PCBway, i.e. in Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam.Main reason being that every now and then, parts are not avail on LCSC, so you end up with lots of emails and an extra 10-days through customs...Any tips?

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2024, 10:53:14 pm
content: Try:https://www.keepbestpcba.com/Keep Best PCB Assembly Co., Ltd.* new name for Kingford PCB / PCBA* they have a new factory in Thailand and also are in Vietnam (in addition to Shenzhen, CN)* automotive / medical / ISO certified - we have had numerous medical PCBA builds by themDaphne Tian (Ms.)Sales ManagerMobile: +86-135-9019-1310SHENZHEN KINGFORD EMS CO.,LTD.kbpcba12keepbestpcba.com
Hakko FM-206 bargain - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lakid
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 11, 2024, 05:53:40 am
content: So...this has happened before and last time it was ~$AUD780... this time a bit more but still a crazy price. I got one last time, and it was legit..https://www.amazon.com.au/Hakko-FM206-20-3-Port-Multi-Station/dp/B0B1MTMSH1/It's an amazing bit of kit (only 2 available)
flexible interconnect, like in old HP41 calulator wanted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: r6502
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2024, 09:05:30 pm
content: Hello all,I'm looking for a high quality flexible interconnet system, like used in old HP41 calculators. In the calculators it was used to connect the keyboard and LCD to the processor board. It was in-between the 2 boards and pressed a little bit together, and so the pads on both boards, that had a larger spacing than the stripes on the interconnect foam where connected. This works still after about 40 years.It looks like a flexible PCB with gold plated conductor strips, placed on a flexible material may be silicone foam. Does somebody have an idea, where to bye this kind of flexible interconnect system or was this custom produced for HP? Any hint is welcome.Guido

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 02:06:58 am
content: The connectors in the HP-41 were made by Amphenol (IIRC!) specifically for HP but the strips were a generic product offered by Amphenol.Years agoI talked to both the Project Manager for that program and the man that originally designed the connector and that holds the patent for them. They send me the mechanical drawings for the connector and a lot of related documentation and the last of the HP-41 connectors. Sorry, but I don't recall their names but they were in the US. I think somewhere in the midwest. St Louis? I later passed all of the docs and other stuff on to an HP collector so I no longer have any of it but you should be able to find the patent.

author: Kim Christensen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 04:05:14 am
content: For an LCD you could use an "elastomeric connector strip" or Zebra strip. Though that's not as metallic looking as what you've pictured.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 10:37:44 am
content: There's also anisotropic conductive adhesives, which seem to be replacing zebra strips in some applications such as high density LCD connections. They're adhesives (often in a strip form) that conduct up and down but not side to side.This is achieved by filling them with conductive balls at a density that means they don't touch much, but when the adhesive is pressed into place it collapses in the direction of the pressure. So the lateral spacing doesn't change, maintaining insulation, but the vertical spacing is reduced making a tower of connected balls in that direction.
Suggestions for Taiwan PCB house that does small-ish orders? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2024, 12:33:12 am
content: I typically order about 400 boards at a time, so not big, not tiny.I'm just re-shopping around the non-Chinese PCB fab houses, see if I'm still happy where I currently go (U&I in South Korea usually). I handle my own assembly.

author: MR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2024, 10:08:55 am
content: Are you willing to share some PCB requirements (board details/layers, impedance controlled, price expectation (maybe for a sample board) etc.)? We could ask around here. We're located in the south of Taiwan and work with some companies here. Some of them only understand chinese, anything beyond that would be a pain to communicate.

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2024, 08:46:17 pm
content: Nothing special except 2 oz copper.I typically have 4 layer boards, standard easy-to-manufacture sized traces (normally 0.4mm and larger) and vias (always 0.3mm drill and larger), no controlled impedance. Normal size is 150x250 or so. Nothing that would be outside of JLC standard board specs.

author: MR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2024, 09:20:00 am
content: Can you send me some gerber files and notes which we can forward?If you really want to manufacture in Taiwan send me a DM with your email.We have our own products and are fully occupied, I wouldn't mind to sign a small non disclosure note in case there's any doubt.

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2024, 10:19:33 pm
content: Try jetpcb.com - they have an office in the USA. In general, you will pay more for vendors in Taiwan than China. Respectively, higher in South Korea than Taiwan. JETPCB makes a great board and have used them in the past for years. These days, use jlcpcb and they have acquired another shop or they work with them for some of the 4L pcbs we have recently had made. Either way, the quality is great - not as good as JETPCB but then again we are not paying the premium pricing.
Ribbon Laser Bonding on PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kneidl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 05:18:56 am
content: Hi, I am working on a project where we need multiple ribbon bonds attached to a PCB using laser welding.The downside of the technology is that according to the machine manufacturer, the copper-tickness on the PCB-side must be at least 400µm.As I would like to avoid any special PCB manufacturing process like copper-inlays, my idea was to just solder some tiny pieces/plates of copper or nickel on the top side and then the laser can weld to them.But I cannot find something like a reeled 5x5mm (max. 15x7mm) copper plate on digikey, or at least I don't know in which part category I have to look for.The closest thing I found to what I need are some shunt resistors (digikey: BVE-Z-R0001-1.0) , but the low resistive ones are too big or have a non flat surface and are in general kind of expensive.Can someone tell me to what I should look for or maybe has a better idea to a rather cheap and mass manufacturable solution?Thanks

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 10:25:18 am
content: I'm guessing these are too small... or as you say, not flat.https://www.keyelco.com/category.cfm/Test-Points-Tips-Probes-Clips/SMT-PCB-Jumpers/p/518/id/1206https://www.keyelco.com/userAssets/file/M70p60.pdfThe largest seem to be 2.0x2.54mm, 1.7x3.0mm, or 1.8x5.5mm on top surface. Maybe they could make something custom one for you.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 10:38:35 am
content: Dunno about 5x5mm but smaller ones are easily availablehttps://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/harwin-inc/S70-138305045R/6211249

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 06:22:11 pm
content: What sort of volume? And if you're looking at current shunts, I guess the surface doesn't need to be bare copper, but can be plated?You could get whatever size and shape you want laser cut or stamped out of sheet metal. Stamping can be very cheap if you've got enough volume to amortize the tooling/setup cost, and any company that does electronic stamping should be able to acquire pre-plated sheet coil, so they'd be ready for soldering after stamping and cleaning. For assembly, you could probably get some custom plastic trays CNC milled, or maybe stacked out of laser cut sheets, to standard JEDEC sizes to go into a tray feeder. Loading the trays from the bulk stamped parts might not even be too bad, if the wells are sized correctly you should be able to just throw a handful of parts onto them and shake until they settle into place. Some assemblers may even be able to place loose parts out of tray wells, for example Europlacer machines have that as an option.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 08:30:31 pm
content: Somehow it seems silly to me to solder on targets for welding. Couldn’t you just solder the ribbons on at that point? (Selective laser soldering is a thing, too!)
Parts consignment to JLCPCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: davegravy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2024, 02:30:21 am
content: Some high value parts (e.g. SARA-R510S-01B module, $50 per piece) I need don't exist in the the JLCPCB parts library and I can't easily substitute another part from their library. I looked at their Global Sourcing option and they are charging considerable markup.I'm considering consignment now that apparently they will accept international shipments, but wondering if it isn't more efficient to purchase the parts in China and ship to JLCPCB.Is anyone from North America buying from, say, Digikey China, and shipping to JLCPCB? Will Digikey China process US / Canadian credit cards?Does anyone have any experience/advice to share with consigning parts to JLCPCB?

author: davegravy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2024, 02:55:50 am
content: Thislooks like valuable info in case I end up sending internationally.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2024, 09:14:06 pm
content: Digikey China still ships from USA warehouse, I'm sure they'd accept a CAD card. You can make an account and try it out.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/how-do-i-order-from-digikey-china/

author: NorthGuy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2024, 02:25:54 pm
content: Quote from: davegravy on May 27, 2024, 02:30:21 amI shipped from DigiKey to China, although this was long time ago. JLCPCB didn't exist back then. I paid in US dollars which was Ok except that the bank charged for converting CAD to USD. Shipping wasn't free as it is to Canada, but it wasn't expensive.
Long thin part rotating during placement.  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 02:14:14 pm
content: I am placing an connector with my pnp machines. I have tried multiple heads with different styles of nozzles. The connector is df40hc(3.0)-100ds-0.4v(51from Hi rose. With the unsettling lack of ). I'm having trouble with them being placed with the wrong rotation. I'm unsure if a different nozzle choice would work better but the pickup surface is tiny and the tape isn't easy for a gripper nozzle to get into. I'm unsure why they are moving. My other parts are placed with correct theta. Maybe the small rotation errors are due to insufficient board support and the board bouncing after placement? Maybe I should force them to be placed last, but I'm just guessing. Had anyone had a similar issue?

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 03:50:47 pm
content: Does your P&P have a way to reduce rotation speed and acceleration? If the top of the part (pick-up tape) is small and the part has a lot of angular momentum, then that is the only way to solve it. I had this once with a really big ceramic capacitor. But, in that case, I was able to switch to a larger nozzle, and that solved it. So, obviously, the part was rotating on the nozzle after the vision sensed it.Jon
Temporary Solder mask bridging issues - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SurmotechTek2943
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 26, 2024, 02:03:25 pm
content: Hello, I am running into problems with our temporary solder mask during our selective soldering process. What seems to be happening is when we are running a PCB with temporary solder mask cured on the board and we solder a through hole pin that is very close by, the solder will actually bridge to the temporary solder mask. Sometimes, if we spray some extra flux on top of the mask, it will mitigate the issue, but other times it doesn't help at all. I'm wondering if anyone else has the same or similar problems and if you have any possible reasons why or solutions to this issue. Thank you. Solder mask we use is TECHSPRAY WonderMASK P peelable solder mask, ALPHA SAC305 lead free solder and Kester 959T no clean and ALPHA 856 water sol fluxes in our machines. Thank you
74xx245 pinout, 0.5mm pitch - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2024, 04:41:53 pm
content: Does anybody know of a 245 buffer (74CH245, 74LXC245 etc) in TSSOP size with the usual pinout but 0.5mm pin pitch ?They seem to be mostly 0.65mm or bigger but I screwed up a pcb layout and want to build a few while new PCBs are made.

author: KrudyZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2024, 10:08:46 pm
content: Toshiba makes (made?) some of these in what they call a 20-VSSOP package.https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/toshiba-semiconductor-and-storage/TC74VCX245FK-EL/6679587https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/toshiba-semiconductor-and-storage/TC74LCX245FK-EL-K/6679578Looks like TI also makes some that you can actually buy:https://www.digikey.com/en/products/filter/buffers-drivers-receivers-transceivers/704?s=N4IgjCBcpgTAnBaIDGUBmBDANgZwKYA0IA9lANrgAsAzIgOwgC6xADgC5QgDK7ATgEsAdgHMQAX3HFYFEACMArunT4%2BzcUA

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2024, 05:38:19 pm
content: Thanks. The kicad footprint I incorrectly chose was called TSSOP-0.5. I didn't realise VSSOP was the common name for the finer pitch devices.I have managed to squeeze a 0.65mm device onto the board by bending the leads but I'll be glad to avoid doing more of those.
AXI (xray inspection) licencing / regulatory requirments in Australia - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 20, 2024, 01:22:49 pm
content: Does anyone have an AXI setup and know what you needed to do to buy one? Was there a license required? If so, what was the cost / process to get it? Was it worth it over AOI? I place a lot of QFN packages, only 1 BGA.

author: mairo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 24, 2024, 09:14:07 am
content: Hey loki, send an email to radiation.safety@health.vic.gov.au and in it explain the machine model/part number with a link to documentation, what are you going to do with the machine - e.g. user only, installer, maintain … If you will only be using it, i guess you will get away with a Management license only and not a user license.For further information on application for the licenses check alsowww.health.vic.gov.au/radiation/x-ray-analysis-unitSend them an email, they are very helpful and normally responds quick too.

author: mairo
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 24, 2024, 09:19:30 am
content: As a start you will need at least a Management license (and probably only that), but you need to have it before you get the machine.

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2024, 07:32:47 am
content: Thanks for the info. Process and prices don't look too nuts. There was one at an auction that I thought might go cheap. I'm also wondering about the utility vs aoi given the extra effort required. Mostly I'm keen to spot soldering issues.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2024, 09:37:28 pm
content: This topic reminds me of a potential customer I met a few years ago. An "inventor" type guy who was trying to do something x-raying particular samples. He had bought this x-ray equipment and was setting it up on a CNC in his unit in a complex in the middle of suburbia. No shielding, no licenses, no clue. I highly doubt he ever got it to operate because when I met him he had spliced the RS-232 control wires into a USB cable because "the wire colours were the same"Suffice to say I declined any involvement but its kind of scary to think about once you look past the craziness...

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2024, 10:31:40 pm
content: Hah, yeah the whole x ray part of it sounds a bit hectic. Lucky the machine had all the shielding etc. Though I'm much less nervous about buying used optical gear!The fault finding capabilities does look very impressive compared to 3d AOI but I'd be keen to hear actual user opinions instead of marketing. I chatted to Oritech (local support) and they also told me new prices...
Suitable UK/EU oven for Controleo3? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nickds1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2019, 04:27:49 pm
content: Hi,I'm looking for a suitable small oven to use with a Controleo3 kit in the UK...Anyone got experiences on this that they'd like to share?Thanks

author: nickds1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2020, 07:07:14 am
content: Noone?

author: danie1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2020, 07:30:01 pm
content: I don't know specifically about that kit but I bought a £20 oven on amazon and it's worked fine on my homebrew controller.https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00K22YJEY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1The exact model is no longer available but the listing has the various specs and you can find a bunch of different ovens badged differently but the same bodywork.I dunno if our 240V makes the requirements for a particularly powerful oven less of an issue. I found it heated up more than fast enough to follow the standard reflow curves, even without insulation. Cooling down was more of an issue... which I "solved" by opening the door after the cycle was done. I should get a servo like those kits but with JLC assembly service I haven't used the oven in a while.

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2020, 07:49:15 pm
content: I have a different (but similar) oven from Robert Dyas which works fine. It's probably also no longer available in quite the same format. To be honest, I'd go with that ever you can find that's around 9L and 1kW - I'm sure they're almost identical inside.

author: JACOPO99
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 19, 2020, 03:00:40 pm
content: Hi guys, I'm as well in the UK in the process of selecting components to build an oven.I too was attracted by the controleo3 (standard package no kit) so I've been researching a bit the power needed to make a proper one.What I found out is that 2000W for 9l works ok and gives 95 to 100% score in the controleo3 test if the whole machine is well insulated.The oven I'd like to get is a 10l 1000w oven on eBay, but I need to get it to at least 2000W.I've found on Aliexpress a pair of 500W 220V heating cartridges (stainless steel) for around 10 GBP, so I'd like to use them for a build instead of having to fit more quartz elements.Do you happen to know if there is a particular reason to go full-quartz or should they be ok?The controleo3 advanced kit does happen to contain one of these cartridges.If too OT I'll delete the post.

author: nickds1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2024, 10:31:50 am
content: Did you ever resolve this?
JLCPCB 360 degree walk through, YAY! (And youtube policing) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nuclearcat
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 03:27:58 am
content: Naomi Wu released amazing video of walking in JLCPCB factory: (note for 360 degree view in video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvcP1cMUcVQ&feature=youtu.beAnd... youtube policed it for adult content. I dont know if it was for automation porn or for Naomi cleavage:https://twitter.com/RealSexyCyborg/status/1324864818432520192

author: schmitt trigger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 04:22:09 am
content: What can I say?Impressive!

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 06:02:18 pm
content: sad I missed it. adult content? guess the social networks are on a hair trigger over anything.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 06:28:05 pm
content: https://lbry.tv/@Naomi-SexyCyborg-Wu:b/chinese-pcb-factory-in-360-vr-courtesy:bDon't let Youtube/Google get away with it, protest by installing Adblock!

author: S. Petrukhin
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 07, 2020, 08:23:47 pm
content: Youtube was scared of cleavage. And the Chinese are great!

author: 48X24X48X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 02:56:33 am
content: Does anyone notice what brand is the pick and place machine? Uses electric feeder.

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2020, 02:58:27 pm
content: Looks like the same machines shown n the stills we've seen before. iPulse M20s

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2024, 05:01:22 pm
content: i was looking for 360 video if anyone mentioned or asked dave to do 360 video in his lab... then this thread came up. i was so outdated i didnt know this kind of thing exist, youtube started supporting it in 2015. it interests me to look at one of Petra tour video while googling it and then i look for the device in review and online store, maybe Insta360 X3 is the best bet for bang per buck? anyway, that Naomi Wu video in OP is working in case anybody want to look around jlcpcb... very nice machineries, places and rooms, staffs and boobs..
1.6mm PCB of 4 layers and super thin Pre-Preg? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2024, 07:04:15 pm
content: Hi,Supposing we have a 1.6mm 4 layer (SMPS) PCB (DCDC 24Vin to 12Vout at 3A)Is it possible to have a 1.2mm FR4 core , and then super thin prepregs around that?

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2024, 07:15:50 pm
content: you can't use google?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2024, 07:51:16 pm
content: Quote from: Faringdon on April 10, 2024, 07:04:15 pmConsider using mega thin prepregs, or even ultra thin prepregs.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2024, 07:53:25 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on April 10, 2024, 07:15:50 pmGoogle doesn't chat to you.Maybe there's hope when Google introduces LLMs into search results.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2024, 08:12:23 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on April 10, 2024, 07:53:25 pmI guess if the intend is not get an answer just but to stir the shit google isn't much help

author: mzzj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2024, 04:39:49 pm
content: Yes, I agree.

author: Faringdon
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2024, 05:59:52 pm
content: Thanks, yes , it is out there , as you kindly say..https://jlcpcb.com/impedance...we are now seeking a 1mm thick board , 4 layers, each 2oz, and no core, just pre-preg separating the copper layers.But we cant find anybody who does this?We like it that pre-preg is soft and rubbery and compressable, and we want that, not the tough rigid core.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2024, 07:40:01 pm
content: Quote from: Faringdon on April 16, 2024, 05:59:52 pmAnd the copper tracks, and more importantly, their attachment to the vias?

author: cearlobe
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 17, 2024, 09:56:58 am
content: Quote from: Faringdon on April 16, 2024, 05:59:52 pmSo what is the copper attached to while it's etched? Or have you got a way of depositing the individual copper tracks and shapes directly onto the surfaces of the pre-preg?And what about layer-layer registration? And dozens of other issues?
SMTech Stencil Printer (Quad branded) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gmr1981
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2024, 05:08:11 pm
content: Hi,I have recently acquired an SMTech stencil printer from 1996. It is mechanically sound, but the main control PCB seems to have some problems (I suspect the data on the microprocessor/eeprom) - a lot of the functionality works but when I go into some menus the program just crashes and I can't get as far as printing. Also, sometimes it doesn't boot up properly.Anyone got any experience of these machines?Cheers,Greg

author: gmr1981
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2024, 07:40:26 am
content: Answering my own question: I found Reprint International in Dorset who offer support for these machines and were very helpful.
rebaling camera tips wanted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: charlyd
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2024, 08:04:38 am
content: hi i have a wds620 bga machine. and what for my feel i miss is a camera so i can observe the process. like in the picture.of course this can be because i am not sure yet if my profiles are correct so it gives me more confidence in my work.does some have tips for a good camera (not too expensive) what i can buy and add as some extra eyes. so i can zoom in under the chip. that would be nice.all tips are welcomethanks and greetz charly
Are there any standards for outdoor physical plugin modules? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: e100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2024, 09:37:19 am
content: I'm building an outdoor monitoring system that collects data from multiple wired sensors.Rather than build everything into one big box (and then find there are problems), I'd like to build it in stages using some kind of plugin type module that connects to a common power supply and data bus for communication.I sort of imagine outdoor modules looking something like this indoor module, with a robust octal plug, plus some kind of weather seal.Do things like this exist? My Google search skills aren't finding anything.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2024, 09:50:40 pm
content: I've not seen that, but nothing is stopping you from using whatever waterproof connector you like (circular, or square automotive type) and integrating it into the housing/module. Assuming its not too heavy or you can use some other mechanical support for it. One issue is you'd want a waterproof cap to cover any unused module connectors on the main unit.https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805587664171.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805937151028.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805937248495.html
Thin boards bow too much in chain oven - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 09:45:30 pm
content: I'm running 0.6mm panels in a chain oven and I've only got support at the edges, no middle rail. I'm getting too much bowing and boards have fallen off in the oven and I've had to retrieve them... I'm only running single sides.How should I make the board bow less? They need to be that thickness for the touch sensor. Should I use pallets? A middle rail out of stainless cable or something? Just run the thin boards through the oven faster?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2024, 10:42:03 pm
content: Sounds like you need a reflow carrier.
Switching from full-rosin/RMA flux to no-clean flux - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Michael Craft
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2024, 09:32:25 pm
content: I got an inquiry from one of our electronics labs with regards to their soldering processes. They use eutectic (63% Sn, 37% Pb) solder. For liquid flux they are currently using Kester 186, which is an old-school, full rosin (RMA and ROL1) flux that contains 36% solids. For solder wire they are using Kester 282, which contains RMA/ROL1 flux paste in the core.They are now thinking of switching to a "no clean" flux for both liquid and solder wire. What are the pros and cons to switching to a "no clean" flux? Will the solder junctions be just as good? Will they have to change their soldering processes? Will they have to change their cleaning processes?Thank you

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2024, 01:33:58 pm
content: A key thing to remember is that no-clean fluxes are only no-clean if heated FULLY. This always happens to the flux core in solder wire, and in solder paste or paste flux when run through a reflow oven. But unheated or partially heated no-clean flux can be left in an active, corrosive state! So when you use external no-clean flux (liquid or paste/gel) for hand soldering, you must clean it, because any flux that spreads around (which it loves to do) beyond the joint is unlikely to reach the neutralization temperature.Additionally, no-clean flux residues tend to be harder to remove than classic rosin fluxes, because they’re not really intended to be removed, so ease of cleaning isn’t a design priority.No-clean is basically designed for mass production, where controlled processes make it absolutely safe to use without cleaning. They’re designed to be visually appealing without cleaning. (Many people unnecessarily worry about cleaning rosin flux, which isn’t normally needed except in very, very sensitive circuits.) And part of the no-clean systems is to simply reduce the amount of flux solids to begin with, so even a rosin-based no-clean liquid flux might only be 3% solids. This is fine for new, clean components, but often insufficient for older, tarnished parts.Is there a reason your lab wants to make this change? If they think it will reduce their cleaning requirements, it almost certainly won’t, and may make cleaning harder.I use no-clean solder paste for reflow, and no-clean gel flux for rework (where I know I’ll have to clean it), but stick with old-school rosin for hand soldering leaded solder.Most lead-free solder wires are no-clean, because the old rosin flux formulations don’t hold up to the higher temperatures needed, and by the time lead-free became relevant, no-clean had already become dominant in mass production, so newer flux formulations tended to be no-clean. There do exist some lead-free rosin solders, they’re just harder to find.(Also, Kester 282? Fancy! That’s a very expensive solder! Note that solder wire does not contain flux paste; it’s a crystalline solid, or compressed powder.)
What do you think of this soldering product? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2024, 09:22:43 am
content: https://www.ebay.com/itm/363544063317It looks interesting. Like a hotplate on a stick.

author: JURP
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 24, 2024, 05:23:45 pm
content: I would like to see it under a thermal imager.The temperature distribution will probably be "interesting".But maybe it works.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2024, 12:50:54 am
content: Quote from: JURP on March 24, 2024, 05:23:45 pmIf it is actually solid copper, as they claim, the thermal conductivity will result in it being reasonably even. (I've used big desoldering block tips -- copper blocks with individual wells for every leg of an IC or connector -- to desolder 40-pin (2x20) connectors and various DIP ICs. They're also copper and they heat quite evenly.)

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 25, 2024, 09:27:48 pm
content: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802213711642.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805991670248.htmlQuite a few variations of these.I'd guess there is a decent temperature drop to the solid area, then once it gets there should be even, as tooki says. Once it heats up, which will take a minute.You'll see just as much temperature drop from thin long tips.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2024, 07:04:10 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on March 25, 2024, 09:27:48 pmHuh? It's the exact opposite situation to a long thin soldering iron tip.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2024, 08:36:23 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on March 28, 2024, 07:04:10 pmWhat I'm saying is there could be more of a temperature drop when using a long thin tip compared to this.Assuming the slip fit or however its connected is decent.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2024, 09:13:07 pm
content: Quote from: coppercone2 on March 24, 2024, 09:22:43 amlooks interesting but... useless (except maybe to some highly specialized job). but hey! its only 10 bucks what you got to lose? you can buy it, try it once and when you figure out its useless you can hang it on your wall while you doing your sheet metal can sunroof drilling stuffs.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2024, 10:37:57 pm
content: you keep losing 10 bucks and you find yourself pulling wire out of a printer instead of buying a spool of new teflon from digikey.There is always a need for high quality consumables to improve project quality and small sums add up quick in this hobby IMO.There is a ton of 15$ nicknacks that are hard to buy, and you never get that good work flow going if you keep wasting money on avant garde experimental thermal stuff.A mechanical gadget, IMO, usually will be worth something, because it can probobly do something so long its made of metal. A thermal gadget??? that can easily be atotalwaste of money.
PCB copper tolerances - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: eTobey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2024, 08:28:15 am
content: Hi,my manufacturer told me, that traces can have 20% tolerances in width. I had designed 200um traces, but they came out 160um. Im not used to receive such different trace widths. How about you?
price of lithium cells - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2024, 12:07:50 pm
content: Prices of lithium cells on ebay seem to have gone crazy from UK suppliers - 2-3 times what they were last year. Chinese suppliers are still pretty cheap, especially on aliexpress, but have long lead times.What happened ? Is it due to more restrictive postal regulations ?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2024, 08:44:52 pm
content: Shipping restrictions are more strict yeah. Here no one seems to care and just put the batteries in lettermail.https://thepihut.com/pages/lithium-shipping"In recent years much stricter requirements around shipping lithium have been introduced by Royal Mail and our courier services, which means we have to take extra care to ensure these products are shipped safely."
ACE Kiss User Manual - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DLE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2024, 08:24:30 pm
content: Anyone have a digital version of the ACE Kiss selective solder user manual? We bought one and trying to get it up and running and struggling getting the programs to run. Missing something obvious as everything appears to work as it should but just can't seem to get it to run code.

author: mon2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2024, 10:12:54 pm
content: Post the same request on the SMTNET user forum. A number of users there should be able to provide the user manual.
Flux for Selective - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DLE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2024, 04:44:14 pm
content: Hi All, we are getting into selective soldering and had a question on flux choice.I prefer a no-clean flux and we have on hand a decent amount of Kester 951 and 110 thinner. However, I wasn't sure if there was a reason to not just use that in the selective machine or if there was a good reason to go get something like the Kester Select-10 that they say is geared for selective operations.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2024, 04:23:37 am
content: flux needs to meet certain objectives in wave soldering process generally speaking. It needs to resist being washed off by the solderwave ( jet?).I wish I could source the Kester selective soldering flux. I am using an AIM flux. There are times when a second pass is called for and a second application of flux cures the problem.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2024, 11:45:47 pm
content: Kester 10 is available through usual culprits.Price is not the problem... volume is.Large players of this world are offering it at a minimum volume of say 12 gallons...Others listed on Kester web pages similarly want to sell it by the gallons.I don't mind purchasing a gallon just to try it out but I am being asked to spend thousands of dollars just to taste ( and test).PREPOSTEROUSI may try to import the flammable fluid from Singapore.
Wave soldering frame - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BorisRap
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2024, 03:56:47 pm
content: Good day,I'm looking for a material to make frames for a wave solder machine.In our company we have a wave soldering machine, a client now wants to solder a board with some SMD components on the bottom side that cannot be solder with wave.I must design a 3D model of a frame in which we put the board and it will cover the SMD components and leave the THT pads exposed for the wave to solder.Do you know what is the best material for this purpose? We had some similar frames made out of some glass fiber compound, but they'd bend after a few uses. Also they cannot be machined very precisely because the warping was way worse in thin parts of the mold.Do you know any material that's heat resistant, will keep its shape when exposed to those temperatures even if it's thin (~1mm) and can be machined, that's used for this purpose?Thank you very much

author: Jon_S
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 01, 2024, 08:28:15 pm
content: I haven't come across this exact kind of shield before, but everything that actually touched solder on my old place's wave line (conveyor fingers, and support strips) was made of thin titanium sheet metal. I don't recall them ever having issues with that part of the system. I was always impressed, as a nosy engineer, as to the extent that solder never wetted the Ti parts in the slightest.

author: BorisRap
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2024, 11:30:44 am
content: Quote from: Jon_S on March 01, 2024, 08:28:15 pmThanks for the insight, I was thinking on using titanium, but I'm a bit afraid the solder can clog up the holes if they're very small. Doesn't solder stick at all to titanium? Even in this conditions?

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2024, 12:10:16 pm
content: Quote from: BorisRap on March 01, 2024, 03:56:47 pmYou would be way way better off taking your requirement to a specialist tooling company that makes these for a living, it is not straightforwards and you would be doing all sorts of expensive trial and error as you learnt works and what does not.

author: loki42
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2024, 12:44:57 pm
content: Durostone is probably what you're looking for but I'd get someone I make ithttps://www.roechling.com/industrial/products/composites/gfrp-cfrp/pcb-solder-pallets

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2024, 07:51:06 pm
content: Titanium is a good choice, solder does not wet it and any openings small enough will prevent solder form wetting PCB surface due to solder surface tension.Another material You can use is G10, a material similar to FR4,G10 is available in thickness of a few millimeters and will offer space to machine pockets for a more protective pocket,G10 may have a life expectancy below Your production run.Your other option is to apply adhesive and actually solder the components on the bottom side using the wave soldering process.
Defect Rate WRT Customer Deliveries - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kylehunter
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2024, 03:13:21 pm
content: My company is a small CM that is going through AS9100 certification. We've been working to nail down some metrics on our defect rate for SMT and THT assembly. I've seen numbers like 100 - 500 PPM defect rates. On a recent job, if I count each component as one potential source of a defect, then we had a defect rate of around 100 PPM.The issue I've run into, is that all metric information I've found online bases the PPM rate on defects found by an end of line AOI. This seems flawed to me for a few reasons:1. This assumes that a AOI is 100% accurate, which as we all know, is not true.2. If a board is not functionally tested, the only real way to know if there is an assembly defect, is when the end customer/client actually uses/tests the board. Which if you base your defects only on your AOI, this rate is not captured.Ultimately, if we are building boards for a client, with no functional test fixture provided, it is, of course, not possible to deliver 100% of the boards, defect free. So does anyone have any sort of guidance or information that they use to benchmark this? Because if we base it off of my 100 PPM defect rate, if a board has a few hundred components, that means that there will be a couple of percent of boards delivered to the client that will need to be RMA'd back to us to rework.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2024, 10:48:52 pm
content: You can read some discussion here:https://smtnet.com/Forums/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_thread&Thread_ID=13073- False fail rate = falsely flagged AOI failures- Escape rate = failed products that reach the customerQuote from: kylehunter on March 07, 2024, 03:13:21 pmEscape rate is based on the number of products, not on the complexity of the board (I assume, I don't do SMT work). So yes you'd need the customer to feed that failure information back to you, or return parts to you, to determine what it is. 100ppm would be a 0.01% product failure rate.Obviously everything that leaves you is going to be expected to be working perfectly.
STENCIL CLEANING SYSTEM - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dimamalin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 05, 2024, 06:11:12 am
content: Hello everyone.We are planning to purchase a new machine for automatic stencil cleaning.If anyone has experience using such equipment, what would you recommend?I appreciate any advice when choosing this equipment.Our choices are between:1.Aqube MV3 One (Kolb Cleaning Technology)2.X30 (Austin American Technology)3.NB29AUTO (MBtech)4.Inget 388 CRD-2PR (DCT)5.MiniSWASH (PBT)Any opinions, suggestions, and comments regarding this choice are welcome.Thank you in advance.