Electronics > Manufacturing & Assembly

SMD Rework Microscope suggestions

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Prime:
I've read up on various threads and I'm looking for some updated information on a good Microscope for SMT work for the office.

It's going to be used for assembling the occasional prototype and for reworking existing boards to specific customer requirements.

We have an old manual binocular microscope on an arm but it's awful to work through and the optics are distinctly average.

We also have a Suba which is used for inspection. The image quality on the Suba is reasonable but the build quality is rather average and it's fiddly to get the contrast right. I don't love the idea of trying to use it to do SMT soldering.

So far I've narrowed it to

https://mektronics.com.au/products/bernstein-stereo-microscope-200-x-150-mm-with-articulated-arm (I don't love this. it's very similar to our current one and has no camera option.
https://hawkerrichardson.com.au/product/mantis-pixo/
https://mektronics.com.au/products/tagarno-fhd-zip-digital-microscope-system

but I'm open to other suggestions based on peoples' own experiences.

jfiresto:
Have you looked at the Meiji Techno EMZ-series? They have a dealer in Sydney.

jayx:
Each one of those you've listed is different type, I think first you need to decide which type you want. Anyway, out of these you've listed:
First one don't seem to have variable magnification, it's quite usefull. Working distance seems to be a bit small, but perhaps can be increased with extra Barlow lens.
Second one (Mantis) I have no experience with, but working distance seems to be a bit small.
Third one is good, but expensive. Check this:

Meiji Techno EMZ-series is something I can recommend if you want to go for this type. I think it's expensive, but very good quality. Other one similar to Meiji is Kyowa, but this company don't exist anymore so only available second hand.

thm_w:
If its going to be used for assembly and rework, then IMO, a camera based unit like the tagarno is not great. Although I know some people here are OK with that. Depends on preference.
As jayx said, first one is overpriced for what you get, no zoom.
Mantis can be good, some of us here don't like them. As mentioned, working distance is not great, and FOV is not good. Get a demo unit or go try it somewhere if you can.


"We have an old manual binocular microscope on an arm but it's awful to work through and the optics are distinctly average. "

Unless its a cheap piece of garbage, damaged, or dirty, the optics won't make much difference for electronics work.
Why specifically is it awful to work through? Maybe you need better lighting? Ergonomics?

Solder_Junkie:

--- Quote from: Prime on August 29, 2023, 01:20:00 am ---
We have an old manual binocular microscope on an arm but it's awful to work through and the optics are distinctly average.


--- End quote ---
While I have no experience of the models mentioned, I recently bought a Swift S41-20. The cost is a fraction of those suggested types. It only has fixed x10 and x20 magnification. The working distance with the x10 is great for SMD work down to at least 0603 size Rs and Cs. The two adjustable "swan neck" LED lights provide very good lighting too. Optically I cannot fault it.

Maybe it's more hobby/budget but it is very solidly built and more than adequate for my SMD work/rework.

SJ

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