Best low volume PNP machine with paste dispenser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LuisCRSousa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 08:19:39 pm
content: Hi!I need some advice for a PNP machine with paste dispenser for low volume. I have been looking through the forum but only found PNP machines without dispenser.The market is full of PNP machines or paste machines, but is really hard to find a All in One full automatic one.Do any of you know any model, any good machine?Thanks in advance!

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 08:23:04 pm
content: I only have a moment to respond.Paste dispensers, in general, are a waste of time. The ones that work are very expensive while stencils are cheap and quick.Not sure what your expectations are, but stencils are a solid winner in all but the strangest corner cases.Short and misplld from my mobile......

author: rx8pilot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 08:24:43 pm
content: Low-volume and P&P are quite difficult to mesh.....the machine is only a small part of a successful process.Short and misplld from my mobile......

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 08:28:39 pm
content: Paste dispensing is slow and works satisfactory only for larger components like 0603 and 1.27mm pin pitch ICs. Once you need something smaller, you'll need to use stencil anyway.

author: LuisCRSousa
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 08:33:52 pm
content: Thank you for fast reply.Well, I was hoping that there was a "cheap" and good machine All In One..So, taking apart the AIO ideia. What is the "best" or "modest" stencil printer + PNP machine + Reflow Oven? Or the best brands to looking at?I found TVM802A+ Reflow T962A+Printer YX3040 for 4000USD. Is a good set?

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 09:53:24 pm
content: Quote from: LuisCRSousa on November 01, 2017, 08:33:52 pmI do manual stencil printing, and it works pretty well. I make my own stencils by etching .003" brass shim stock, using essentially the same process as for a double-sided PC board. I use masking tape as the hinge for an unsupported stencil.I did make up a board holder fixture. It has an aluminum plate with a 1" grid of 10-32 tapped holes. There are 4 bars that have a .060" deep step on the edge and slots where screws clamp them in place on the plate. This supports the board by the edges, even when it has parts on the back side. (Most of my boards have parts on both sides.) I visually align the stencil to the board, and tape the stencil in place. Then, I spread the paste with a thick brass squeegee.This works amazingly easily. I have done well over 1000 boards with this system. So, if you are looking at relatively small volumes, you don't need an expensive stencil printer.I do reflow in a GE toaster oven! I have a thermocouple ramp & soak temperature controller. I poke the thermocouple into one of the boards' through holes. I often do up to 6 small boards at a time in that oven.I have a used Philips CSM84 P&P machine, which is a very flexible and robust "old school" machine.Jon

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2017, 10:35:14 pm
content: For anything that can be done with dispensing, a plastic stencil cut on a vinyl cutter or lasercutter will be fine.A vinly cutter like the Cameo is probably similar cosy or cheaper than a useable dispenser.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2017, 12:36:20 am
content: Solder paste printing is a remarkably hard thing to do well and to do to a standard that will be better than a stainless steel stencil that costs $25, is nearly impossible. They do have their use cases, Th efolks at at Macrofab in texas have a $400,000 MY-600 printer.. But these days you can get your stencil with the pcbs all at the same time. Its not a hard skill to learn, just takes a bit of practice.