You can solder SMT components to your custom board by hand, but it would be much faster if you could get a reflow tool instead to “bake” your board after placing the components. ReflowR SMT reflowing tool offers just that in a small and affordable form factor.
Some people have tried to use DIY solutions to bake their board, but results may vary. ReflowR has been specifically designed to heat PCB offering constant results. It supports reflow, rework, MSD bake, or rework pre-bake, and follows JEDEC reflow profiles. You can also add a WiFi extension to monitor the tool from your smartphone and set the temperature profile. Two version are available:
- Smart ReflowR – Compact 600W system for for makers and learners.
- Large ReflowR – Larger 1200W system for professionals
“STEM Inspiration kits” are also offered without a ReflowR kit, but with multiple components, solder paste, a few PCBs, tweezers, and more for people to get started with electronics and SMT reflow soldering. The video below shows how it works, and how you can adjust the components while baking.
The project was successfully funded on Indiegogo last month, but the campaign is now in “In demand” mode, and you can purchase Smart ReflowR for $99, Large ReflowR for $179, and the STEM inspiration kits for $19 and up. Shipping is included in the price, and delivery is scheduled for January 2017.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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The price is decent, but I find the thing I want the most is some better way to make custom boards at home, in the least messy and chemical requiring way possible (I’m in an apartment without good ventilation).
Yes board making is cheap. It’s the waiting that sucks.
like this: https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=sXOY7v1eL1Q
@Anton Thanks for sharing that. Not sure how reliable any circuits built would be, but it’s really creative.
@PoV
NEXD1 3D printer can print PCBs too, and it’s fully enclosed. It’s another price range though,and I’m not sure about the limitations -> https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1947576577/the-nexd1-the-first-multimaterial-and-electronics
will wait for chinese clones
Perhaps if these ever get cheap enough you would just print what you want like CNX example above
http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/08/13/botfactorys-squink-prints-and-assembles-electronic-circuits-in-minutes-crowdfunding/