Electronic solder paste dispenser

Details

Hello everyone!

It’s been a while since I’ve uploaded a new post. During the time, I was working on a project and it has been just over a year since I started. I wanted to challenge myself to build a hardware/software product from scratch.

Introduction

The project is named “ESPD”(electronic solder paste dispenser) 2 in 1 device, paste dispenser with pick-and-place pen

This project is targeted for people who are into one-off prototype PCBs, PCB rework/repairs, hobbyist and more!

A brief description about the project

- 2 in 1 device, electronic solder paste dispenser with pick-and-place vacuum pen

- Stepper motor is driven by TMC2225 driver, enabling StealthChop2™ for silent motor operation (drive current, microsteps configured via UART mode)

- Maximum linear resolution of 156.25nm per motor step (theoretical value)

- VPD(viscous paste dispenser) is design around industry standard EFD 30CC syringe, incorporates twist-on locking design, easy to remove and replace between different syringes

- Lightweight VPD design, maximizing comfort for extensive use

- Interactive & user-friendly HMI/GUI interface, based on a 2.4inch 320x240 color TFT LCD display. 4 tactile buttons, forward, backward, menu, scroll, 1 rotary encoder with push button

- DFU via USB connection, (latest firmware version v0.0.12) general UI layout, 4 main menu screens 1. Continuous F/B, 2. Toggle F/B, 3. P&P pump, 4. Device parameters

- Independent internal air system, user replaceable inline air filter(inlet), 2 air lines, air in/out

- Control PCB v0.0.6, 5~24v forward, backward external trigger input. USB ESD protection, DC power-in fused, reverse polarity protection (new v0.0.7 on the way, added additional external trigger for existing menu, scroll, opto-isolation on all external trigger input pins

- Fully electronic, no external air supply needed

I need your help to make this project out to the market! Any feedback or questions would be very much appreciated!

Thanks!

Project Logs

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#2 Thermal test, connector layout update

Jung Hoon Lee • 01/19/2023 at 17:06 • 0 comments

Thermal test

Temperature tests were performed with thermal imaging and thermocouple probes. Few hours into the test, hottest point stabilized around 53C(24C ambient). Pump motor and solenoid valve at max power, motor reached 35C, solenoid at 79C. The components under test weren't actively cooled and both were on full power. A more realistic test(still demanding) 2000ms on time, 500ms off time, solenoid maxed under 70C. Solenoid valve mount has a HDT of 147C, added brass standoffs to the mount to help with airflow/cooling and to minimize direct thermal conduction to the controller case.

ESPD Controller V6.1 (Case modified)

Front IO: SPD connector GX12 7pin is replaced with 3.5mm TRS jack and mini XLR 6pin.

Rear IO: External trigger GX12 4pin is replaced with DB9. DC power jack DC-025 is replaced with DC-022.

#1 Ordering 3D printed parts

Jung Hoon Lee • 01/19/2023 at 16:14 • 0 comments

ESPD Controller V5, SPD-30CC V1

FDM 3D printed prototype

ESPD Controller V6.1, SPD-30CC V2.1

Made few changes to the design, ordered 3D parts from a manufacture.

Controller case is printed with black SLA resin(HDT of 58C), SPD parts are printed with SLS nylon(HDT of 147C).

ESPD controller assembly

SPD assembly

Early stages of development

Jung Hoon Lee • 01/18/2023 at 17:59 • 0 comments

Discussions

Mabdelwanis wrote 11/02/2023 at 21:09

Hello Jung

thanks for amazing project

I have some questions

What if solder paste have air bubbles, are it effect on motor force?

What's type of motor and are it have gearbox ?

I hope to make one like yours if you are able to share some information about it to build one like this will be appreciated

Are you sure? yes | no

Jung Hoon Lee wrote 11/16/2023 at 13:25

Hello, Thanks for your interest.

I think the linear force to advance the paste through the nozzle is enough to get rid of the air bubbles/pockets.

The first motor that I use was a small PM stepper with a integrated lead screw to save weight and cost. But, it was to weak to extrude the solder paste. Then I was experimenting with thin NEMA motors. I did not use a gearbox, to reduce any backlash.

Are you sure? yes | no

Electronic solder paste dispenser

Description

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