DIY solder paste dispenser -- idea feedback wanted - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: fredriknyman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 21, 2013, 01:15:58 pm
content: Hi,My idea for a DIY solder paste dispenser is:1. Start with a XY table like the Proxxon KT-70 . The PCB sit on top of that.2. Machine custom mounts to replace its hand wheels with stepper motors.3. Machine a custom mount and a solder paste syringe holder/dispenser4. Then add a controller board and software; it looks pretty straightforward to parse Eagle .brd files to figure outwhere the solder paste is supposed to go, and to move the stepper motors accordingly.Good idea? Bad idea?Thanks!Fredrikhttp://shop.prox-tech.com/p/micro-compound-table-kt-70/proxxon-micromot-power-tool-accessories?pp=125http://zoo.weinigel.se/misc/solder-dispenser.jpg

author: quarros
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2013, 03:27:45 pm
content: I don't think it is a particularly good idea because:1, It has only a smaller movable working area.2, Still you have to create a movable frame to hold the dispenser.3, The dispenser has to be able to move up and down otherwise the syringe would smear the already dispensed paste.If you want to automate solder paste dispensing than I would rather look to buy/build a small CNC machine and make it so that the machining tool can be changed to a dispensing tool. I know it is far more expensive but i just don't see how your current idea would fly.But lets hear others opinions too.

author: Alphatronique
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2013, 09:33:22 pm
content: Hibest advice i may tell you is ,test before in deep whit manual past dispensingit hard to got good reliable past dispensing dot .most of issue come from that solder past was a non newtonian fluidall commercial system rely on auger valve system but that was very expensiveso it use less to work on a CNC system if dispensing not work good at firstthe good news is that i few week back i find interesting thinghttp://www.fisnar.com/valves_rv5000you may got only that DMP16-10 and fit your own motor on itand got solution for much lower cost,i work on that nowBest regard

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2013, 08:03:51 am
content: Quote from: fredriknyman on November 21, 2013, 01:15:58 pmFirst a question: which problem are you trying to solve?

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2013, 03:54:31 pm
content: A 3d printer will give you all the controlled movement you need, just replaces the head. The challenge will be having a consistent dispenser and you can experiment with it before investing in the movement mechanism.Here is a commercial one at work.One alternative is to build/buy a laser cutter and use it to make your own stencils.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 03:42:32 am
content: Whats wrong with a stencil and some masking tape to block the holes you don't want? Works pretty well in production. I actually just use tiny 60/40 RA rosin core solder for prototyping. Its fast and easy.

author: kc9qvl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2013, 07:22:40 am
content: Along the 3d printer theme.http://reprap.org/wiki/Paste_Extrusionhttp://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=Paste+Extruder&sa=

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 10:39:25 pm
content: A screen can do that in a few seconds and at a NRE price of about $150. Why must everybody re invent the wheel cause they don't like the smell of the lugs?

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 10:54:29 pm
content: Quote from: calexanian on November 29, 2013, 10:39:25 pmBy this logic, people should stop painting sunsets ;-)

author: Selectech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 11:15:23 pm
content: I use a modified Zenbot CNC with Kester R276 paste and a shot dispenser run by CNC controller. Simple, very flexible and no NRE for screens.Another big item for me is practically zero waste on solder paste & no cleanup associated with paste masks. Yes, it is slower than a screen, but way more flexible. I have about 30 different board types I make in small batches, so the flexibility is really important.I do mostly 0805 / 1206 & SOIC so the shot dispenser variance is not a big issue, especially with R276. I do have to adjust air pressure a bit depending on room temperature, but that is minor.

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 07:49:33 am
content: Need to punch myself for calling a stencil a screen!!!

author: negativ3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 01, 2013, 04:42:47 pm
content: "One alternative is to build/buy a laser cutter and use it to make your own stencils."Yes!

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2013, 07:56:23 am
content: Here is a semi automatic DYI machinehttp://fixyt.com/watch?v=DpgOYNB1Kng