"State of the art" reflow oven - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: T_guttata
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 08:13:09 pm
content: Hi,I'm a mechanical engineer, and in my spare time I also enjoy working on electronics.I was looking for a reflow oven to solder SMD components. Since I couldn’t find a suitable option, I designed one from scratch.The device is fully industrialized, so in principle it could be sold commercially. However, the design is not optimized for mass production, which means the price will inevitably be higher than that of a cheap kitchen oven.I originally built it for personal use, and I expect to be able to use it for the rest of my life. Still, I’m curious about how much interest there might be in such a device.So my question is:How much would you be willing to spend on a state-of-the-art reflow oven that avoids the flaws of cheap, repurposed devices?Key specs:-Max. PCB size: 305 mm × 244 mm (ATX board size)-Shortwave IR heating elements with very fast response time-Low thermal inertia-Maximum temperature 260°C-Primary heat transfer mechanism: convection-Independently controllable top and bottom heating elementsAdditional functions:-Device can be used to dry 2x 1kg spools of filament-Device can be used to anneal 3d printed partsI’m curious to hear your opinion.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 08:29:58 pm
content: My modified T-962 after calibration of its thermocouples works fine. I only have used it for SMD's on one side. I wish its curve was more easily adjusted, but the stock modified-software curve has not failed me. My boards have all been much smaller than the maximum size. Cost essentially new ("open box") was $100, including shipping.

author: T_guttata
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 08:41:43 pm
content: When I searched for T-962, it was either discontinued (may be due to some safety issues) or around $400.For $100 I would have tried for sure.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 08:56:28 pm
content: My unit came for some person in Utah (USA), who apparently bought it, decided to not use it or lost interest, and just wanted to get rid of it. So far as I can tell, it was never used. That was maybe 5 years ago on eBay. Kapton tape to replace masking tape , the 1-wire reference temp, new firmware, and recalibration versus mercury thermometers is all I did. Yes, I think I got a good deal.EDIT: I am/was not in electronics by a long shot. The problem I see you facing is the cost of the mechanical, not so much the internal, but the actual box and drawer. You might focus on a basic used unit, like a T-962, and refurbishing it. That was quite common in general aviation (1980's) when a company got a solid airframe and totally rebuilt it with new engines, instruments, and interior. In small volume, I suspect the cost of the T-952 mechanical parts would be quite a bit, unless you could get a deal with the OEM.

author: Pinkus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2025, 10:05:49 pm
content: Just two comments:What about controlled cooling? And at the very least, you would need an outside air intake and a fan to blow the toxic fumes (and heat) out of the oven (and preferably out of the room).

author: T_guttata
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2025, 04:00:49 am
content: Controlled cooling is available. The device can automatically increase fresh air intake and also increse fan speed of the convection fan. So, these two variables can be included in the control loop.There is however no ventilation planned to the outside as this would be overkill for such a device. The device shall be used in a good ventilated place, and then I don‘t see any major issues.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2025, 12:26:43 pm
content: A modified toaster oven would be very close to my ideal. I've already got a donated small oven (Inside 150x150x250mm. I do not even want a bigger one), and I've invested around EUR 60 to replace the heating elements and add some more. I'm also planning to put in a fan on the outside to keep the electronics (uC and solid state relays etc) cool, and I want to extend the fan with a stainless steel rod inside the oven and add a small fan there too. Tot to create a real airflow, but just enough to create some turbulence and more even heating of the whole inside of the oven.