Dave,

I don't do very much production SMT work here, but I do build prototypes
and proof of concept units in my lab.
As far as soldering equipment goes, we aren't very sophiscated.  We have
a couple of Weller Temperature controlled
Soldering irons (soldering stations) that we use, as well as a PACE MBT
system.    

We also have a couple of illuminated magnifiers for quick soldering
jobs, and quick inspection.

But our most valuable tool is an OC White "Inspector"  Superscope 2000.
Ths is a video microscope with a large depth
Of field so we can actually work under it while it is in use.  The mag
range is ~4X to ~40X.  Once it is focused, you 
can zoom between the two extremes and stay in focus all the way.   This
is an indespensible tool.   I believe the cost 
was about 6K USD when we got it about 2-3 years ago, and outfitted the
way we have it outfitted.   If you're interested, 
I can put you in touch with the rep we used to get ours.   Just let me
know if you are.  
Here is the link to the mfg.....
http://www.ocwhite.com/html/superscope.html

And as an FYI, I don't hand solder anything usually smaller than 0603.
Ocassionally I will hand solder an 0402 part, 
but that is about the limit as our soldering tips are too big to hit
only the pad, so they transfer too much heat to the part.
This can cause delamination and other problems down the road.   It's
better if we let out contract mfg do the production
SMD work.

Hope this helps.




	
Regards,

	
Jim


 

-----Original Message-----
From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf
Of DSELEC
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 10:24 AM
To: piclist@mit.edu
Subject: [EE] SMT Equipment Advice and Experience

My company is soon to receive an order to populate a series of prototype
PIC-based circuit boards with about 120 SMT components, some with very
fine pitch (ssop and tsop) packages. 

I are currently upgrading lab facilities to handle this type of work and
would appreciate some advice on appropriate boom microscopes and
soldering equipment.

What item or tool have you found indispensable for doing high quality
SMT work? 

Any particular fluxes/adhesives to recommend or avoid?

Thanks in advance!

Dave Siegel
Radex Electronics
www.radexelectronics.com

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