Author Topic: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator  (Read 139832 times)

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Offline MrQuanTopic starter

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Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« on: July 06, 2015, 03:26:55 am »
G'day!

I'm looking for a manual syringe tool so I can use solder paste or flux in the type of syringes as seen in attached image.

I have an assortment of pastes and fluxes in this style of syringe. I also have one of those powered air compressor units, but I just want to be able to grab it and apply it for those one-off quick jobs without messy around with the air compressor unit.

I thought I could easily find a kit of some sort with needles and a hand plunger, or perhaps some type of gun holder thing, but I'm having difficulty.

Any suggestions?
 

Offline Mr.B

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Offline MrQuanTopic starter

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2015, 06:18:47 am »
Yes, exactly like that :-) Thanks!

I'm might try to find a cheaper version now that I know what to look for.
It's nice to have that one as a plan B though (~ $82 AUD).
 

Offline Mr.B

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2015, 06:30:00 am »
NZD 112... I didn't hesitate for the pure convenience.
I have no need to spend NZD 500 or more on an air powered foot pump, or even more for a specialist machine...
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Offline MrQuanTopic starter

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2015, 06:31:40 am »
Yeah, I think you're right. Only decent alternative I found was this: http://www.mektronics.com.au/brands/metcal/metcal-manual-syringe-gun-10cc.html but that's more expensive :-P

It would be silly for me to spend any more time on this. I like your option. Thanks again :-)
 

Offline Mr.B

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2015, 06:41:47 am »
You are welcome...
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Online Jeroen3

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2015, 07:03:32 am »
 

Offline MrQuanTopic starter

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2015, 07:06:19 am »
Yeah that does look nice. Good price too.
Looks like it's been sold out since February thought.
 

Offline tggzzz

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2015, 08:07:15 am »
With applicators for paste (and silicon caulk etc) it was easy to provide enough force to start it extruding, but then it continued to extrude at a constant rate. That wouldn't be a problem except that due to my lack of skill the paste would form a "hair" as I moved it from one pad to another. What I really wanted was a mechanism that pushed until paste extruded and then pulled briefly until it stopped extruding - preferably controlled by a foot pedal.

In the absence of that, for one-off hobby applications, I found it satisfactory use a sewing needle to apply a blob to a pad. For larger boards I would use a stencil.
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Offline Mr.B

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2015, 08:55:29 am »
I use stencils for almost everything, however every so often I just want to apply a little paste to a "demo" board.
This tool is perfect for this job... no need for an expensive paste applicator... not for me at least.
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Online PlainName

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2015, 10:05:53 pm »
The applicators shown, and especially the Tindie one, don't seem to do anything about precise dispensing volume. I get the same results from a 1ml syringe and whatever needle is the right size for the particular job. Cost is hard to say because I buy the syringes and needles in bulk, but they are cheap enough that they are disposable after a single job (although I use  them as long as they keep working, which can be a looong time).

To use, I take the 1ml syringe and squirt some paste into it from the master 10cc jobby (which then goes back into the fridge for longevity). Fit the needle, point, squirt. Since I'm a cheapskate I buy proper syringe needles, so before using a new one I clip the end to take off the sharp bit, and then file the now blunt end smooth. A few seconds is all it takes, and saves a tiny fortune.

The only drawback is the strange looks from the pharmacist when I buy the bits - probably thinks I'm a junky. Fixed that by buying online instead :)

These dry out eventually, but there isn't much paste in there so it's not a big problem to bin 'em and start again when that happens. The master 10CC lasts a lot longer than if it was used directly, though.
 

Online Jeroen3

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2015, 05:49:25 am »
The problem is that if you squeeze syringe, the stuff pours out until you pull it back a little bit.
The pneumatic applicators fix that for your. But the glue applicators don't.
I'm not sure about the tindie one.
 

Offline neslekkim

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Online PlainName

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2015, 07:58:09 am »
Quote
if you squeeze syringe, the stuff pours out until you pull it back

It can do. With a bit of practice you can find the 'balance point' where it comes out slow enough that releasing the pressure a bit effectively stops it, but not so slow that you're getting bored waiting :)

But, yes, it's the main drawback and I thought these applicators would fix that, particularly for the prices they are being sold at. But the Tindie appears to suffer the same problem, so I wonder why you'd pay loadsawonga for that, and ruin your paste supply, when you can have the same problem much cheaper.
 

Offline dmmt40

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #14 on: July 19, 2015, 06:31:12 pm »
This thread is a couple of days old but I just wanted to say that I've actually been working for the past 6 months on a little gadget to dispense all sorts of fluids without using compressed air.

It's similar in concept to the one neslekkim linked to but mine is designed so that changing syringes takes no more than a couple of seconds while retaining the ability to suck back the paste to avoid oozing.
It's very precise and repeatable because I originally designed to dispense low to medium viscosity fluids. However I recently upgraded the electronics to have more power and be able to push the much thicker solder paste... now I just have to find the right needles or tips to go with it.

 I should have it ready later this year to sell probably on Tindie and will let you guys know of course.
 

Online PlainName

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2015, 10:58:12 pm »
Sounds promising - I'll be interested in taking a look with a view to acquiring one  :-+
 

Offline robrenz

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #16 on: July 20, 2015, 12:31:45 am »
The one I bought shown in this thread is still working well.

Offline dmmt40

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #17 on: July 20, 2015, 01:43:43 am »
Sounds promising - I'll be interested in taking a look with a view to acquiring one  :-+

Thanks! I'm sure you'll like it  :)

Only recently I started playing around with solder paste but thankfully I had already mastered dispensing adhesives, and trust me those can be even more of a pain in the butt to work with (some need special teflon tips, refrigeration, some are sensitive to light, others to humidity uggh) but I'm confident it'll be alright.
I was looking at the dispenser robrenz mentioned and I truly believe this will be a more capable unit for an even cheaper price and small enough to fit in the hand.

Now I'm even more motivated to finish it knowing there really is a need or a "market" for it ;D
 

Offline fugro

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #18 on: July 22, 2015, 03:04:30 pm »
Looks like everything has been covered on this subject, . Have you tried <www.chipquik .com>?  They have a nice selection of soldering aids.
 

Offline packetbob

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #19 on: August 21, 2015, 12:32:15 am »
I know this thread is a bit old but I have recently done up an Instructable on setting up, fixing up and using a 983A variant of the Chinese solder dispensers..

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-set-up-repair-adjust-and-use-a-solder-paste/

Anyone interested in getting one may find it (along with the various threads in the EEVblog forum) helpful...
 

Offline zapta

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #20 on: August 21, 2015, 01:18:56 am »
The problem is that if you squeeze syringe, the stuff pours out until you pull it back a little bit.
The pneumatic applicators fix that for your. But the glue applicators don't.
I'm not sure about the tindie one.

I tried the tindie applicator and the paste kept flowing after the release. The automatic ones so apply negative pressure at the end but they require a air pressure supply which adds to the cost and complexity.
 

Offline neslekkim

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #21 on: August 21, 2015, 01:56:36 pm »
I know this thread is a bit old but I have recently done up an Instructable on setting up, fixing up and using a 983A variant of the Chinese solder dispensers..

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-set-up-repair-adjust-and-use-a-solder-paste/

Anyone interested in getting one may find it (along with the various threads in the EEVblog forum) helpful...

Very good instructable!, i have the same solderpaste dispenser, but not used it since I don't have air, I like that you have fixed lot of the things inside it, I think I have to do that also.
Must try to see if there is some small quiet compressors that I can use indoor.
 

Offline fivefish

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #22 on: August 21, 2015, 03:59:36 pm »
The compressor does not need to be running all the time while you're using the paste dispenser. You can fill up a tank, hook it up to your paste dispenser and start working.
 

Offline neslekkim

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #23 on: August 21, 2015, 04:28:27 pm »
The compressor does not need to be running all the time while you're using the paste dispenser. You can fill up a tank, hook it up to your paste dispenser and start working.

Yes, but how small can one go on compressors with tank?
I was thinking about some small airbrush thingy or something like that.. but those are noisy..
 

Offline packetbob

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Re: Solder paste/flux manual syringe applicator
« Reply #24 on: August 21, 2015, 04:50:37 pm »
You can use a portable air tank. The idea is that you would fill it up at an auto service station and then bring it to your workplace. I was able to get about 1200 shots out of a tank before it needed to be re-filled. You have the in-convenience of having to tank the tank to get refilled but the convenience of no compressor (or the associated noise) being needed at your workplace.

In the long run a compressor is much more convenient but it is certainly possible to use the portable air tank and get most boards done in a single fill.....

 


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