Computing stuff tied to the physical world

Solder paste

In Hardware on Sep 6, 2009 at 00:01

As I mentioned before, the main problem I have with SMD’s on JeeLinks is applying too much solder paste.

Well, I just got a few test stencils in the mail from Paul Badger of Modern Device, who is experimenting with a laser cutter and a variety of plastic sheets.

So here’s my first DIY solder paste stencil jig for JeeLinks:

DSC_0474.jpg

In good DIY fashion, it’s made of things I “happened” to have lying around, such as a piece of “foam” used by photographers, i.e. a few millimeters of foam (PU?) sandwiched between two thin plastic sheets. It’s easy to cut so size, and a bit of a cushion might actually help level out the pressure when applying paste. I used hot glue to fix a couple of pcb scraps to the board, and a single line of adhesive tape to fix the stencil.

This jig opens up to take a panel with 4 JeeLink boards, like this:

DSC_0475.jpg

It’s all about getting the alignment right, of course:

DSC_0476.jpg

Will it work? I’ll report in the next few days…

  1. Stencils are prob by far the quickest and best way to apply paste. (if you can get them made cheaply) However, I still want to give my CNC a go if i can only find out what these guys are using as the dispenser, seems very precise and consistent using pneumatics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG_Sy0FT3EA

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