Author Topic: Getting started with SMT soldering  (Read 73859 times)

Pops1911

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #45 on: February 23, 2017, 06:23:00 PM »
Back when SMT was new, we used a Fry Daddy for reflow work. We used pre-formed solder pads & a thermocouple for temp monitoring. Once the board was complete a isopropyl wash followed by a distilled water wash. If necessary a light brushing could be helpful. These parts were then fully tested & qualified for Class "S" useage (Space Vehicles) including visual & electrical inspections etc. Later we switched to proper reflow stations, but we had a low budget to start & built most of the process equipment ourselves. Nice to see our work is still being used today!

TomWS

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #46 on: February 23, 2017, 09:43:01 PM »
Back when SMT was new, we used a Fry Daddy for reflow work.
You dip it in a good buttermilk batter beforehand and it might be tasty and crispy!

stern0m1

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #47 on: March 02, 2017, 01:55:40 PM »
Any recommendations for a specific brand of solder paste for a newbie? First time. Plan on using a stencil from oshstencils. What determines the thickness of the stencil I should use?

Thanks
It all started with a Moteino!

TomWS

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #48 on: March 02, 2017, 04:06:07 PM »
Any recommendations for a specific brand of solder paste for a newbie?
Chip Quik is a decent brand and easy to purchase in the US.  Don't buy 'bargain' brand, it's not worth the risk of getting old paste.  For casual, hobbyist soldering, T3 'NoClean' type is a good choice.
Quote
First time. Plan on using a stencil from oshstencils. What determines the thickness of the stencil I should use?

Thanks
Assuming you're not using any 0.5mm pitch devices, the 3mil Polyimide is fine for most applications.

Tom

stern0m1

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #49 on: March 02, 2017, 11:25:52 PM »
Assuming you're not using any 0.5mm pitch devices, the 3mil Polyimide is fine for most applications.

Is the 4mil stainless steel to thick or just not needed?

Thanks
It all started with a Moteino!

TomWS

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #50 on: March 02, 2017, 11:41:05 PM »
Is the 4mil stainless steel to thick or just not needed?

Thanks
4mil stainless steel is, first of all, twice the price of polyimide and unnecessary for most hobbyist applications.  If you want to use it, however, it will be fine.


Felix

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #51 on: March 03, 2017, 08:13:37 AM »
Professionally the thinnest one I would use is 10mil. I use different thicknesses depending on what components are populated, up to 15mil.
The soda can aluminum is perfect thickness for hobby use and I made thousands of Moteinos and other boards with a single stencil, I am not kidding.
If you want to have a bunch of learning fun making one, see my video below, (already posted in this thread before but ... ):


I also have another video that shows how I currently make stencils on my laser cutter, they don't last but they are great for prototypes:


stern0m1

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #52 on: March 03, 2017, 12:59:02 PM »
Im interested in a good guide for the re flow process that includes the science, but for newbies.

Any links?
Besides for google! ;D

@Felix
How about a like button or thank you button for the forum. I  think people  appreciate being thanked for their advice but I dont think you need a million thank yous on the forums...
It all started with a Moteino!

Felix

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #53 on: March 03, 2017, 01:11:23 PM »
@Felix
How about a like button or thank you button for the forum. I  think people  appreciate being thanked for their advice but I dont think you need a million thank yous on the forums...
It's allright, not seeking recognition, just ACKing that my stuff is helpful and it works is pretty good feedback :)

stern0m1

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #54 on: March 05, 2017, 06:08:53 PM »
Is there any place i could get for cheap garbage boards that i could practice smt soldering? Something suitable for common resistors.

Or does anyone have junk boards they could give away for cheap?
It all started with a Moteino!

WhiteHare

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #55 on: March 05, 2017, 06:25:04 PM »
I suggest you skip the practice and just dive in with real boards.  You'll pick it up in no time.

TomWS

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #56 on: March 05, 2017, 06:27:16 PM »
Is there any place i could get for cheap garbage boards that i could practice smt soldering? Something suitable for common resistors.

Or does anyone have junk boards they could give away for cheap?
I've seen kits that are specifically SMT training kits - essentially what you suggested, pad layouts for various sized resistors (which cost approximately $0.00000001 ea).  If you search for SMT soldering kit you might find something.

I've got some obsolete PCBs laying around, but nothing large, I'll look around and see if any of them would be useful - do you want to learn hand soldering or reflow soldering?

Felix must have a TON of obsolete boards!   He can probably sell you whole sheets of them!

Tom

stern0m1

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #57 on: March 05, 2017, 07:32:07 PM »
Im looking to learn reflow soldering. I cant find anything cheap in the usa. I dont have patience to wait for China.

Hand soldering i could get by, but not the proper way.I usually end up with a cold joint. I know im supposed to touch the solder to the joint and not the iron but it just doesn't melt/flow . For my hobbyist projects it works.  Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?  Ill try to post a clip later..

I guess lets see if Felix chimes in...
Thanks Tom
It all started with a Moteino!

perky

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #58 on: March 05, 2017, 08:37:03 PM »
The best thing you can do with hand soldering is invest in a good iron and tip. You'll need a combination that heats up quickly, and more importantly can transfer the heat into the component quickly. A lot of budget irons and tips are not worth it IMO.

I did a lot of research into soldering irons and tips, and the best combination I found that gives excellent performance for a reasonable price was a Hakko FX-888D with a T18-S4 tip (the tip is good for general purpose and fine pitch SMD as it has a sharp tip and has a short stubby conical shape, that allows the angle of the soldering iron is used at to apply different surface areas of the tip to the component as needed, and the short cone size allows the heat to transfer faster into the component). The FX-888D will set you back about $100 and the tips around $6 each but it'll be worth it. Also it's worth doing a lot of reading of reviews before buying anything like this.

Mark.
« Last Edit: March 05, 2017, 08:40:47 PM by perky »

Felix

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Re: Getting started with SMT soldering
« Reply #59 on: March 05, 2017, 09:35:22 PM »
The web is your friend, I did some videos on SMT stuff, mostly when I used to do everything by hand, you can learn a lot from those, lots of tools and materials available from different vendors. Youtube is amazing at teaching you everything you need to know. I recommend not being cheap when buying tools/materials. You get what you pay for is very true in this business.