ELEKTOR FORUMS

I have been using SM components and have found the following useful:
()Use Multicore 10 cc flux supplied in a syringe.
()Make sure the copper pads are very clean and shiny
()apply liberal amount of flux
()position sm componnet onto pads
()apply blob of solder at diagonally opposite ends of component to hold it in place
()does'nt matter if pins are 'bridged' at this stage
()Run a 1 mm fine tipped soldering iron from blob along pins
()remove any excess or bridges with solder wick
()inspect with watchmakers eyepeice in strong light
()clean away residue with your favorite chemical

Regards
RG

SMD components are getting smaller and smaller, the equipment to deal with them is expensive and the hobbyist is having to be very resourcefull to cope with some of the more exotic devices such as BGA packages.
D.I.Y. methods of SMD assembly is a "hot" topic, lets have some articles in our favorite magazine about it.
In the mean time have a look at what I found at http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorial/ReflowToaster/reflow-toaster.htm
These guys have some great ideas for low cost SMD manufacture.

[irrelevancies removed]

I would also like to add a useful tip.

Do your fine pitch SMD soldering before your first cup of coffee.

Mike

See also "SMD Soldering Aid" in the Design Tips section of the December 2005 isue (out around 19 November next).

Jan Buiting
Editor

If you are soldering fine pitch smd chips, try first tacking 2 diagonally opposite corners, then ensuring your IC is well placed run some flux around all the pins. Then, and this is the bit many people are not to keen on, using a large( about 4mm) 'hoof' shaped tip form a solder ball and run the tip along the legs on one side of the chip trying to bridge solder from one leg to another, the flux will keep the solder flowing, and if the tip is hot enough will prevent the bridges remain as the tip is move away. I am a prfessional having worked in prototype develpment in aerospace and marine elctronics for 10 years, and this has always been the best method over soldering each leg in turn.

Posted Byriki on 11/06/2005 17:20:31
I have been using SM components and have found the following useful:
()Use Multicore 10 cc flux supplied in a syringe.
()Make sure the copper pads are very clean and shiny
()apply liberal amount of flux
()position sm componnet onto pads
()apply blob of solder at diagonally opposite ends of component to hold it in place
()does'nt matter if pins are 'bridged' at this stage
()Run a 1 mm fine tipped soldering iron from blob along pins
()remove any excess or bridges with solder wick
()inspect with watchmakers eyepeice in strong light
()clean away residue with your favorite chemical

Regards
RG

See also 'SMD Reflow Soldering Oven' in the January 2006 issue of Elektor Electronics. The design has a separate topic in this Forum.

Jan Buiting

As devices become smaller and smaller, surface mount devices (SMD) are increasingly popular. As an alternative to traditional, through-hole components, SMD components PCBs. A save space on a Stroke eye to the small size of the components can be intimidating at first, but the reflow soldering method is very simple.

Metal foil stencil'

I found a useful video for surface mount soldering. In this video, a very easy and the latest method is being described. Follow the given youtube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66GV4OuShzI