Small Batch Wave Soldering - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rfe1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 02:46:24 pm
content: HiRecently I am producing batches of 10 to 50 PCB's and I am a little sick of hand soldering the few THT Components (mainly Connectors).I would like to have a small Wave Soldering Machine where I don't need to heat up 10s of kg of solder in order to solder a few connectors.Is there any simple device with a fluxer and a small soldering wave that would be feasable for that job?

author: Jackster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 10:32:41 pm
content: What you want is a solder dipping pot.They come in all sorts of sizes. Pair it with a spray bottle of flux and you can do 100s of boards an hour.I have one of thesehttps://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oEFSLizWorks great and you don't need to fully fill them to the brim for them to work.These look a bit better though I have not tried one myself.https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_omWUTId

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2025, 11:00:05 pm
content: Jackster is right. I got a large solder pot and made a "claw" out of galvanized thin steel to hold the board by the edges. I place all the through-hole parts and then dip the board at a slight angle, then make it flat on the surface of the solder, then tilt it the other way and slowly raise it from the solder. There is a bit of technique to have the lift angle and lift speed just right so you don't get solder icicles.Oh, yes, I preheat the board on a 100 C hotplate for a few minutes before the dipping.But, it works amazingly well.Jon

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2025, 01:45:16 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/who-has-a-selective-solder-machine/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/desktop-selective-soldering-desktop-wave-soldering/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/wow-never-knew-these-even-existed!-selective-soldering/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/benchtop-wave-soldering-machine-anyone-using-one/

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2025, 12:45:47 pm
content: I invested in a small solder pot fountain with exchangeable nozzles designed to handle various tasks.A squirt of flux step on the timer activating pedal and the fountain activates for a presettable time wetting only the required area ( manual selective soldering ). Tasks which used to take hours are now dispensed with in much shorter order.Do Not shy away from a reasonable solder pot volume, it gives a less variable soldering process.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 29, 2025, 08:05:37 pm
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on April 28, 2025, 12:45:47 pmLink? Which one did you get? Would you recommend?

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2025, 05:25:47 am
content: Initially I spoke to WenescoWENESCO INC.DIVISION OF LDS INDUSTRIES LLC930 W. NATIONAL AVEADDISON, IL 60101773 283-3004Later however I spoke to a supplier in China and eventually purchased the Chinese product; budget constraints etc.Would have preferred the wenesco product but it was USD4900.00 plus import and freight charges to Australia.The Chinese product was AUD3000.00 and lower costs of importation.And yes I would recommend it wholeheartedly.Google TSPL3010

author: rfe1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2025, 06:12:19 am
content: Thanks for all the answers.Has anyone worked with the Proma machines? I attached a picture, it looks like that would be a good starting point as it is relatively cheap.I assume as there is no pump having the right level of solder is crucial for good results?