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Soldering SMT II

Workshop 3 - Soldering SMT - PCB Oven

Introduction

Welcome to Workshop 3! You’ve already tackled soldering SMT components by hand—now it’s time to take things up a notch by using a PCB oven for soldering. This method, known as reflow soldering, is commonly used in modern electronics manufacturing, and you’ll get a chance to experience it firsthand. With the help of a stencil and solder paste, this technique makes soldering even the tiniest components a breeze. Ready to bake your circuits? Let’s get started!

Objective

In this workshop, you’ll learn the process of reflow soldering using a PCB oven. By the end, you will:

  • Understand how to apply solder paste using a stencil.
  • Learn the steps for placing SMT components precisely on the board.
  • Successfully use a reflow oven to solder multiple components at once.
  • Gain insight into the benefits of reflow soldering versus hand soldering for larger or more complex projects.

Tools & Equipment

Here’s what you’ll be using during the workshop:

             

Soldering paste

 

 

This is applied to the PCB pads before placing the components. It melts and solidifies during reflow to bond the components.

       

Stencil

 

A tool used to apply solder paste evenly over the board’s pads.
   

Tweezers

 

 

For placing the small SMT components on the board after applying solder paste.

         

Reflow Oven

 

The machine that heats the PCB to melt the solder paste and bond the components to the board.

PCB Ruler

 

A project that showcases various common SMT footprints and some handy information. You’ll be soldering components directly onto this ruler.

Tools & Equipment Safety

When working with a reflow oven and other tools, safety is just as important as technique! Here are a few tips:

  • Reflow Oven Safety: The oven gets very hot, so never touch the inside or the board while it’s running. Always use tools or heat-resistant gloves when handling.
  • Solder Paste Safety: Solder paste contains lead and other chemicals, so handle it carefully and wash your hands after use. 
  • Eye Protection: Protect those eyes! Wear safety glasses to shield from splashes and bits of solder.
  • Fume Extractor: Solder paste can produce fumes when heated, so make sure to turn on the fume extractor for a safe working environment.
  • Workstation Clean-Up: After using solder paste and the oven, clean your area thoroughly and return tools to their storage spots.

Project: Two-Tone Siren Soldering Kit

In this project, you’ll be applying solder paste to a PCB using a stencil, carefully placing SMT components onto the board with tweezers, and then letting the reflow oven do the rest! As the oven heats the board, the solder paste will melt, securing all your components in place at once. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a fully assembled PCB and a solid grasp of reflow soldering—a method that is essential in modern electronics production. You’ll see just how efficient and reliable this technique is, especially when working with more complex designs or larger quantities of components.