DIY solder paste dispenser -- idea feedback wanted

[fredriknyman]

Hi,

My idea for a DIY solder paste dispenser is:
1. Start with a XY table like the Proxxon KT-70 [a].  The PCB sit on top of that.
2. Machine custom mounts to replace its hand wheels with stepper motors.
3. Machine a custom mount and a solder paste syringe holder/dispenser
4. Then add a controller board and software; it looks pretty straightforward to parse Eagle .brd files to figure out
where the solder paste is supposed to go, and to move the stepper motors accordingly.

Good idea?  Bad idea? 

Thanks!
Fredrik


[a] http://shop.prox-tech.com/p/micro-compound-table-kt-70/proxxon-micromot-power-tool-accessories?pp=125
http://zoo.weinigel.se/misc/solder-dispenser.jpg

[quarros]

I don't think it is a particularly good idea because:

1, It has only a smaller movable working area.

2, Still you have to create a movable frame to hold the dispenser.

3, The dispenser has to be able to move up and down otherwise the syringe would smear the already dispensed paste.

If you want to automate solder paste dispensing than I would rather look to buy/build a small CNC machine and make it so that the machining tool can be changed to a dispensing tool. I know it is far more expensive but i just don't see how your current idea would fly.
But lets hear others opinions too.

[Alphatronique]

Hi

best advice i may tell you is ,test before in deep whit manual past dispensing

it hard to got good reliable past dispensing dot  .
most of issue come from that solder past was a non newtonian fluid

all commercial system rely on auger valve system but that was very expensive

so it use less to work on a CNC system if dispensing not work good at first

the good news is that i few week back i find interesting thing  http://www.fisnar.com/valves_rv5000

you may got only that DMP16-10 and fit your own motor on it
and got solution for much lower cost    ,i work on that now

Best regard

[Kjelt]

My idea for a DIY solder paste dispenser is:
----------------
Good idea?  Bad idea? 

First a question: which problem are you trying to solve?

[zapta]

A 3d printer will give you all the controlled movement you need, just replaces the head.  The challenge will be having a consistent dispenser and you can experiment  with it before investing in the movement mechanism.

Here is a commercial one at work.



One alternative is to build/buy a laser cutter and use it to make your own stencils.

[calexanian]

Whats wrong with a stencil and some masking tape to block the holes you don't want? Works pretty well in production. I actually just use tiny 60/40 RA rosin core solder for prototyping. Its fast and easy.

[kc9qvl]

Along the 3d printer theme.
http://reprap.org/wiki/Paste_Extrusion
http://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=Paste+Extruder&sa=

[calexanian]

A screen can do that in a few seconds and at a NRE price of about $150. Why must everybody re invent the wheel cause they don't like the smell of the lugs?

[zapta]

A screen can do that in a few seconds and at a NRE price of about $150. Why must everybody re invent the wheel cause they don't like the smell of the lugs?

By this logic, people should stop painting sunsets   ;-)

[Selectech]

I use a modified Zenbot CNC with Kester R276 paste and a shot dispenser run by CNC controller. Simple, very flexible and no NRE for screens.

Another big item for me is practically zero waste on solder paste & no cleanup associated with paste masks. Yes, it is slower than a screen, but way more flexible. I have about 30 different board types I make in small batches, so the flexibility is really important.

I do mostly 0805 / 1206 & SOIC so the shot dispenser variance is not a big issue, especially with R276. I do have to adjust air pressure a bit depending on room temperature, but that is minor.

[calexanian]

Need to punch myself for calling a stencil a screen!!! 

[negativ3]

"One alternative is to build/buy a laser cutter and use it to make your own stencils."

Yes!

[zapta]

Here is a semi automatic DYI machine

http://fixyt.com/watch?v=DpgOYNB1Kng