PCB / SMT solder paste, stencil printing, and reflow oven

A video showing my method for solder paste stencil printing and manually placing SMT components on PCB.

This video is for a friend. You will notice that I use the term "Ring PCB" in the video several times. That is the name of his design. He will be using this kind of equipment soon.

I order my stencils from www.QuickStencil.com.

This SMT Max AS-5001 reflow oven is definitely a low quality budget oven. If you are using TSSOP's or larger, or all passive components, the SMT Max oven quality is o.k. for you. If you are using QFN or smaller, I recommend a "real" reflow oven ($3,500 or more) from one of the "name brand" suppliers. Or maybe try a hot plate or even a toaster oven. The SMTMax low-end oven is inconsistent with our QFN's. We have run through about 20 panels and still haven't got the right curve. Since the oven is inconsistent, it's impossible to find the right curve. (This might also have to do with the white soldermask we have chosen. The white soldermask 'burns' easily, so we can't dial in the heat too high, either).

I have a "real" reflow oven on order from MannCorp, and will post a new video with my results after it arrives and I have a chance to test it out!

We are using the Kester 256 no-clean leaded solder paste. We also tried some ex-brand lead-free paste. MannCorp is going to hook us up with a sample of their favorite lead-free paste.

My hot air station is a Hakko FR-802 and I am very pleased with its operation, for what I use it for. I got the unit used off E-bay for $400. I haven't done any heavy-duty repair work, just touch-up on QFN's and passives.

We also got a hand-held (battery powered) vacuum pen from Hakko, model 394. The standard nozzle does NOT work for 0603 components. I have the smaller nozzle for the 394 on order (it's supposed to pick up 0603's) an I will update you on the tool in my next video. It does work well for picking up QFN's, I would definitely recommend it if you occasionally hand place "medium to large" pitch MCU's.

Stay away from the cheap Aoyue brand equipment being sold at sra-solder.com! In fact, avoid that site altogether! We ordered a soldering iron from them - it LITERALLY disintegrated. Very dangerous! And we never received a refund or an exchange (or even a reply to our e-mails). Shame on you, sra-solder.com

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Paste
• reflow
• process

[llxDFUSExll]

do u have any videos on putting the chips in the controller and how the controller is pulled apart and put back together thanks

[dakotakid12345]

@llxDFUSExll Nope, that information is proprietary :-) At least for our macro controllers it's proprietary. The PS3 chips are under exclusive contract with a distributor, he may have this kind of video for the PS3 chips. We didn't put any videos up of installation since we're not directly selling the PS3 kits.

[LightForce105]

that is some Hard Work. i never knew building chips was so time consuming.

[dakotakid12345]

@LightForce105 Most mod shops don't use this many components on their mod chips. In fact most mod shops don't even have a mod chip, rather, they just have a single 8-pin "pic" chip that they solder wires onto. The modchip is a little more "kosher" design-wise (meaning reliable), helps our installers be more consistent (less chance customer has to return the product). Etc. :-) I am working hard to build a quality product! Every chip is manually inspected and tested.

[Kr133r]

So your going to assemble the parts at your shop rather then paying someone to do it. Sounds like a good deal. Putting on the soldering paste is pretty much the exact same process as i go through for screen printing. Also Where did you get the articulating arm for your rework station? I've been looking for a good one.

[dakotakid12345]

@Kr133r For the articulating arm for the hot air pen, I shelled out the big bucks and bought the "name brand" arm/stand from Hakko that is made specifically for this model of hot air pen. The stand is definitely beefy and durable, but costs as much as a new Hakko hot air station (I picked up my Hakko hot air station used and on-sale at E-bay for $500).

[dakotakid12345]

Also worth mentioning we will be investing in a pick-and-place machine. We already have a much more expensive (And reliable!) oven from Manncorp that is working great for both lead and lead-free designs. We are working on buying a pick-and-place robot from them as well.

[runner5113]

What's this circuit?

[ThatMinecraftGuy1]

@dakotakid12345 I hope your business is still going to be around because I am looking to buy "the viking" and that is a lot 20 weeks of yard mowing! lol

[KinGxKev]

damn :)