Any "cheap" solder dot depositors worthy of production yet? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2023, 01:11:44 am
content: Even on the more DIY route? One would think it would be easy enough to merge Open PnP with even a simple cartesian motion system to get simple solder paste dot dispensing. Wasn't there something like that out there on Github not terribly long ago that I can't find again? I'm aware of some of the big companies making either dedicated machines or accessories for their PnP machines (like the Essemtec I drool over), but this is so simple, there has to be a cheaper way to accomplish it.

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2023, 04:24:10 pm
content: It's not simple & not quick hence not common. A small commercial example might have been the dima dispense master dd-500, that could do paste amongst other things. Orhttps://www.martin-smt.de/en/presse/automatic-dispensing-made-easy-fine-dispensing-with-the-dotliner/However the reality is you need specific paste chemistries to do dispensing, and specific deposition methods to achieve something akin to printing accuracy. Time/Pressure air valves just don't do it. I've certainly seen examples of hack on hackaday or there is of course everyone's favoritehttps://www.voltera.io/v-one

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2023, 04:28:10 pm
content: Here's a simple suggestion I picked up from a Sandia Labs engineer years ago. At the time we were using fine needles (1mm diameter) to deposit dots. He suggested adding a piezo ultrasonic to the needle to get more reproducible deposition. Not commercial, but might be worth a try for a DIY'er.

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2023, 11:47:00 pm
content: Quote from: SMTech on April 23, 2023, 04:24:10 pmLooks like I need to contact them for a price, but that is about exactly what I was envisioning. For 1206, SOT23 and SOIC components, you don't need hyper accurate deposits like a jetter would get you.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 25, 2023, 10:45:26 pm
content: What about this instead?I recall mike had a solder paste dispenser as well but I can't find the vid.One issue for DIY I could see would be the software, ok you can export the 2D paste layer, but, you'll need to convert that to xy coordinates along with the pad diameter to determine dispensing time. IF thats not a difficult task you could use a normal compressed air dispenser syringe and wire up the foot switch to dispense based on g-code.

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2023, 04:24:54 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on April 25, 2023, 10:45:26 pmRegarding the converter tool, a script that calculates area and divides by x number of dots (calculated by a formula of volume of solder paste per deposition) over the surface area, and a simple grid arrangement. Would take a bit of work, but seems fairly trivial as far as converter software goes; I'm sure it could be done by someone that is better than me at scripts.Dunno, just seems like another hole in the market along with a solid mid-grade PnP machine between the problem riddled Chinesium machines and 6 figure "proper" production lines.

author: Reckless
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 01, 2023, 06:36:48 am
content: Quote from: SMTech on April 23, 2023, 04:24:10 pmWhat about this? It claims it can do solder paste, not sure if its lost in changlish "Applicable glue : UV glue, AB glue , silica gel, Red glue, PUR hot melt adhesive , Solder paste glue, Conductive silver paste, Anaerobic adhesive ,Polyurethane RTV Silicone Sealant Glue"Shipping is pricey $600