Easy Solder Paste Technique without Stencil

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มี.ค. 2020
  • A recent question prompted this video. This is one of the techniques I use when applying solder paste to a board without a stencil. Syringes may or may not work. To save myself from that hassle, this is how I do it.
    If you like what I am doing please consider supporting me on Patreon: / dustinwatts
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ความคิดเห็น • 241

  • @adammarciniak9807
    @adammarciniak9807 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    An alternative technique that also works well is to heat up your board a bit first and then dab a little bit of solder paste onto the pads. When the paste contacts the pad, the heat sort of melts the solder a bit more and it flows onto the pad. This results in less solder spilling over the edges.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yes! Good tip!

    • @kazdean
      @kazdean ปีที่แล้ว +7

      if you are going to that effort, just add regular solder to the pads with an iron, flux paste will keep it from bridging

    • @Dazza_Doo
      @Dazza_Doo ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@kazdean I'm assuming the idea of solder paste is to avoid using an iron? I'm a noob at this, so forgive my ignorance. Honestly, I don't want to be soldering smc (at this time I wouldn't have the skill), but I do have an air-fryer 😉

    • @kazdean
      @kazdean ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Dazza_Doo solder paste is great for mass production using a stencil and a reflow oven, its a waste of time and effort for single pcb assembly. Only wankers use it for single boards or components, it's the look at me "I'm special using solder paste" factor.

    • @Dazza_Doo
      @Dazza_Doo ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@kazdean 🤣👌 I better get pumping

  • @strictnonconformist7369
    @strictnonconformist7369 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Stupidly simple, straightforward and cheap: PERFECT!
    Thanks for making this video!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are welcome! :)

  • @StephenBrown85
    @StephenBrown85 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Your video really helped me!
    I just converted a toaster oven into a reflow oven, and I did a few small tests with no components (just solder paste) and as you said, trying to spread the paste on the pads was just moving it around. After watching your video I thinned down a little paste with some isopropanol and dabbed it on and it worked perfectly! My first board looked like it came out of a factory.
    Thanks so much for posting this - the other tutorials I've seen just show how to apply the solder paste - none of them talked about how they thinned it down.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good to hear Stephen! Normally you should not have to thin down paste, but when it is old, or not the best quality it can help to get those nice solder joint!

    • @steve42lawson
      @steve42lawson ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Excellent! That was the last puzzle piece -- isopropanol! Thank you.

  • @MaxintRD
    @MaxintRD 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Excellent! Thanks for the tip. I liked the detailed view of the microscope. It perfectly shows how you're letting the mix with all the solder balls flow onto the pads.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome Marcel! A microscope is pretty handy for this. Although not necessary. One of those jewelers loupes also works. Only more difficult to film ;)

  • @createinvent
    @createinvent 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Pretty amazing how that works. Thanks for the video.

  • @patkelley8293
    @patkelley8293 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you. Just learning this stuff for the first time. I have a diy transistor tester to put together and this really helps.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome! Hope the transistor tester comes out good!:)

  • @johannjohann6523
    @johannjohann6523 11 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    wow that's really cool. and a bit complicated due to the size. But this helped me further understand "heat" is always the worst enemy of solid state components. The low melting point of the solder paste.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  10 วันที่ผ่านมา

      You are correct. When it comes to heat (which you have to use otherwise you can solder). More heat for a shorter amount of time, is better than less heat for a longer time. Less time is better then less heat. All within reason off course :)

  • @riesmoos
    @riesmoos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great tip !!
    Looks like a genuine FTDI.
    Using that microscope makes such nice videos.
    Thanks man !

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thanks Riesmoos! I like the Eakins microscope as well. I bought the FTDI from Mouser, so it better be genuine! :)

  • @deec5420
    @deec5420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Great tool tutorial. It's fascinating how the solder takes shape as you heat it. I was going to ask if applicator tools could be made from a syringe but that was answered. I've been watching people artifice tools and it seems something could be made using needles or pins inserted into a handle.
    Thank you. I like your setup with the microscope. It answers some questions.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You are welcome @Dee C!

  • @steve42lawson
    @steve42lawson ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice! Just what I was looking for. Thank you for the _out of the box_ thinking!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      You are very welcome! Have fun with al those beautiful QFN IC's out there! :D

  • @ruthiewrangler9864
    @ruthiewrangler9864 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just bought a bottle of solder paste already mixed. Brush it on with the enclosed brush, heat it and it sucks into the components perfectly. Super quick and easy.

  • @prashkd7684
    @prashkd7684 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You are a very patient man... I have some custom designed and professionally made PCBs sitting in my shelf for over six months but I dont have patience to sit down and solder all the components. Hopefully if I see a dozen more videos on TH-cam of ppl soldering QFN packages, maybe that will get me all excited again :)

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Once you start you wont stop! :)

  • @peterlaidlaw8655
    @peterlaidlaw8655 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for this ... it works very well because the connections don't get overwhelmed with solder. Its true, you wouldn't need to do this if you had a solder mask and reflow oven. I have neither and it works a charm.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad it works for you as well as it does for me! :)

  • @markxr1
    @markxr1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    The great thing about putting QFN parts down on those breakout boards, is that it's really easy to electrically check for bridges. This is more difficult in-circuit, unless you design your board with loads of test points

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Indeed it is. That's why I usually order a stencil when designing a board with QFN chip.

    • @markxr1
      @markxr1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I now look pretty stupid as I typed that comment just before you did that check in the video!

  • @PiefacePete46
    @PiefacePete46 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Interesting video, Thanks. When you drag the iron along the pads to fix the bridges, what temperature is it set to?
    TIA.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I do not use this method often, I use stencils most of the time. But for reworking a component I do use the "dragging" part of this method. I usually have my iron set to 350 degrees Celsius. That is fine if you drag quickly. You could go for a lower/safer temperature if you prefer. I have had no issues with 350C and a quick pass.

  • @medienmond
    @medienmond หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You can use Propylene Glycol (PG), known to be also in vaping liquids, to make your solderpaste more liquid. It just disappears nearly without any residues when heatied up. I can only recommend this, as it works really well.
    ❤ that!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for the tip. Never used it or heard of it, but I'll try it sometime.

  • @6milhunter
    @6milhunter ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for teaching me this today.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome! Glad it helped you in some way!

  • @carlosdantas4622
    @carlosdantas4622 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Many thanks for sharing this video.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome Carlos!

  • @GertBowker
    @GertBowker 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    masterclass, very helpful for a beginner new into smd soldering

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You are welcome. But there a way better ways of doing things!

  • @dragancvetkovic2148
    @dragancvetkovic2148 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much... it's working correctly on my tehnic which i lurning from you... thanks man!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome Dragan! Have fun with small IC's ;-)

  • @korky5214
    @korky5214 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    If thats a No Clean flux or RMA please clean it off, if the chip runs at 90c or more the flux will become an acid and eat away at the copper.
    Also remember flux moves away from heat (Ice flow effect) taking oxides with it, it also crystallises at around 380c rendering it useless.
    One other thing to remember is the ramp up temp, component data sheets will states this, normally 2deg C per second, so avoid using an iron (internal component damage).
    Thanks for the video, Michael

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I assume that cleaning a board after soldering is something we all do so I did not mention it in my video. But you are right! When you are done with you board, clean off the flux. Even if you just use a the "normal" soldering iron, clean your board folks! :D Thanks for reminding us again, Michael!

  • @ohaya1
    @ohaya1 27 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Beautiful technique to check for solder bridges by moving the probes one next to eachother

  • @kuyajayyoutubechannel6327
    @kuyajayyoutubechannel6327 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Can I use this paste in fixing xhp 70.2 led emitter in pcb board?

  • @user-uv4xe3cq2y
    @user-uv4xe3cq2y 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very helpful tips, thanks.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome Ted!

  • @mateuszwinter
    @mateuszwinter 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi there Dustin,
    I recently got into using solder paste since I used flux with solder wire with soldering iron. How do you determine the amount of solder paste you need to apply to get an even amount whilst at the same time minimizing short circuits/bridges? How do you know if you have not created shorts under the pads of the QFN when soldering?
    Very good job on the soldering and excetellent explanation.
    Mateusz

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Hi Mateusz! To check for shorts you can use a multimeter on continuity mode. That should give you a good idea. On professional assembly lines they use an x-ray machine to check underneath the chip, which unfortunately most of us don't have ;)
      Determining how much solder paste you need can be tricky. I have found that most bridges form on the outside so you can spot them. A better practice is to use a stencil, this will ensure you have the correct amount on each pad. A standard stencil has a thickness of .125mm and the cutouts are just a bit smaller than the actual pad. So if you get in the ballpark of that volume you are ok.
      Most of the time though, you can get away with using a lot more and not have bridges. It is however also something that you will get a "feel" for when doing it more often.

  • @DrexProjects
    @DrexProjects 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for this.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Your are welcome Drex!

  • @dimchohvarchilkov683
    @dimchohvarchilkov683 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for the nice demonstration. Would you please share what is the type/model of the microscope? Thank you!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sure... the microscope is an Eakins microscope with Sony IMX290 sensor.

  • @erichfeit7779
    @erichfeit7779 15 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    BRILLIANT! Erich from New Zealand 😊

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  15 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Thank you! There are a lot of better options, but in a pinch.... this could work you 😀

  • @davidhawley1132
    @davidhawley1132 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I use a heated plate (thermo controlled) for melting the paste. If you heat the PCB a little, the paste will stick. If you keep the syringe a bit warm (eg by keeping it near the heating plate), the paste will flow out easily.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes... I do still need a heat plate. I use a soldering over now which makes things easier and leaves me with beautiful joints.

  • @luiscarlosmarques3946
    @luiscarlosmarques3946 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fine and clean.
    Tks.

  • @andrianwijayono6658
    @andrianwijayono6658 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow.. never thought this way .. it works perfect without stencil and syringe

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      Nowadays I have so many stencils laying around that I have almost every footprint somewhere on a stencil. So for mission critical applications I do not want to hand solder I just use a taped off stencil. Leaving only the component I need. But for a quick job this method is still valid :)

  • @JonasHolmkvist
    @JonasHolmkvist 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    An easier way is to bump the pads on the PCB using ordinary soldering wire anda soldering iron. Make sure that the ground in the middle does not get to much solder (to much and the chip will be lifted). Then put the chip on and heat it up. When the solder have melted you put some flux around the chip and it will "snap" into place with very little risk of getting bridges between the pins.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes also a valid technique ;)

  • @vinayakmungi149
    @vinayakmungi149 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Pl guide will it be advantages to apply paste to the component pins

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I don't think so. I do not see any advantages and it may even increase the change of bridges....

    • @vinayakmungi149
      @vinayakmungi149 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DustinWatts I have tried it with a stencil
      Advantages in repairs
      1. In conjusted less place it puts at ease
      2. As solder paste is minimum and solder to the right place minimum chances of bridging
      Minimum time

  • @Tsnafu
    @Tsnafu 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Without a microscope and with my old eyes, surface mount stuff is 50/50 guesswork. If I can get one pin soldered down solid, I flow solder over all the other pins then use solder braid to try to fix it. As you can guess, I try to avoid SMD stuff whenever I can :D

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      From my point of view that's a perfectly acceptable technique :) When I prototype, I like to get the biggest package I can. Unfortunately sometimes the biggest package is still very small!

  • @jsmcortina
    @jsmcortina 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    From the vid I thought your reflow time was rather short - if you check (some) FTDI datasheets they have a desired heat profile. I try to do this by pre-heating the board for a minute with my hot air gun, then come in closer and flow the individual components.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Off course following the temperature profile of you paste will yield better results :)

  • @cchocopie
    @cchocopie 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    한국어로 번역이 되네요
    번역률 90% 가까이 잘 되었습니다
    좋은 공부가 되었습니다. 감사합니다!!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Can you translate? 😁

  • @JustSomeVideos0
    @JustSomeVideos0 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Interesting technique. Appears to work very well. Is there a downside to just dumping a load of the flux from the syringe into the pot of flux and mixing it up en masse?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think you meant dumping the flux in the solderpaste? Well... there is already flux in the solderpaste. Basically, solderpaste is nothing more than little solder balls floating around in flux. However, if the solder paste is too dry, adding some flux and stirring it can "freshen it up".
      But for this technique I would do it in small batches, because it is a bit more flux then you actually need when you do it normally with a stencil for example. So the downside would be that you would have a jar of solderpaste that is too fluid for normal use.

    • @JustSomeVideos0
      @JustSomeVideos0 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@DustinWatts Good point! I never use stencils so for me that wouldn't be an issue. But true, would be a shame to have to have two tubs. Cheers!

  • @srisun43
    @srisun43 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What you had mixed with the paste ? for more viscus....

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      Just simple cheap flux.

  • @Chris-ut6eq
    @Chris-ut6eq 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    nicely done!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you! Hope it helps you in some way!

  • @TheEmbeddedHobbyist
    @TheEmbeddedHobbyist 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Great thing surface tension where would we be without it.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      With solder all over the place!

  • @user-mz8eo5vf3y
    @user-mz8eo5vf3y 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi. What is the make and model of your magnifier, and the make and model of your soldering iron , and the make and model of your hot air gun.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hi!
      I use the Eakins microscope with Sony IMX290 (IMX307 is a upgrade) sensor: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DklhMDt
      My soldering iron is the TS100: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmGxfsF
      The iron tip is the TS-I or TL-ILS: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkbLNHN
      And the Hot air gun is an 858D style: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFJEB9N
      Hope this helps!

  • @sreekumarg
    @sreekumarg ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good idea. Great patience...

  • @NicksStuff
    @NicksStuff 16 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

    Would tinning the pads with solder (from a wire solder), adding flux and reflowing work? I *feels* to me you'd have better control on the amount of solder per pad

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  16 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Sure that would work! There are more and better ways to get a QFN chip soldered. This absolutely not a tutorial. What al lot of commenters missed is that this is my response to the question "I have solderpsate and a PCB. Like a breakout board. Nothing more, how would you do it using the paste?"
      Personally I almost never do it like this. I get a stencil for my own boards. And if I want a QFN on an breakout board I go through al my designs an hope I have that footprint on a stencil somewhere :D And as the number of boards grow so do the numbers of stencils and the chances I find the right one. The just some Kapton tape and I can use the stencil :)
      Also there are stencils available for all sorts of foot prints. You can just buy the one that has the one you need on it.

    • @NicksStuff
      @NicksStuff 16 วันที่ผ่านมา +2

      ​@@DustinWatts I thought the comment made sense because even if someone says "I have solder paste and a PCB", it's pretty likely they also have solder wire.
      Even if they don't, they should probably buy some as they'll need it at some point (whereas I kinda understand the will to avoid buying a stencil you'll use once).
      But thanks for the very thorough answer!

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  16 วันที่ผ่านมา

      @@NicksStuff Lol true. Use the wire.

  • @bobbymalta73
    @bobbymalta73 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are welcome Bobby!

  • @brianmaglalang9409
    @brianmaglalang9409 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What is the heat of the iron when you are fixing the bridges?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In this case I think I had it at around 350 degrees Celsius.

    • @brianmaglalang9409
      @brianmaglalang9409 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DustinWatts Thank you bro.

  • @buserror
    @buserror 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Been using that method for years (making the paste runny) -- HOWERVER don't make it too runny, otherwise it doesn't tack enough, and you'll get tomstoning when doing small passives. There's a "just" kind of consistency that is a bit gloopy and stick to the pad when you touch it, but doesn't 'run' off.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      You are absolutely right! Do not make the viscosity too low!

    • @buserror
      @buserror 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@DustinWatts You could also experiment with some (a little!) solder paste mixed with quite a bit of *plumber* flux... make a mix of that, coat a copper surface with like 1mm of the thing, and pass your soldering iron in the gloop to 'paint' the copper.... magic tinning! I'm fairly sure I invented this one. I used that for years to tin DIY copper etched PCBs, however these days, it's a lot quicker to hit F5 on the JLPCB 'progres' page than making my own pcbs :-) ;-)

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@buserror The days of me etching PCB's are waaaaay behind me indeed ;)

  • @uniqueraj3774
    @uniqueraj3774 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    kaha milega bhaiii

  • @TheEmbeddedHobbyist
    @TheEmbeddedHobbyist 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Problem with solder paste is it has a shelf life of about 6 months and needs to be kept in a fridge. So it's not really economical if you don't get through it in time. So adding extra flux I suppose extends it life, as the metals can't really go off. They might oxidize which might hinder flowing.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm thinking of buying a paste from Chip Quik which is advertised as thermally stable. Meaning you can store it outside a fridge. That should mean it wouldn't go off as quick.

    • @TheEmbeddedHobbyist
      @TheEmbeddedHobbyist 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@DustinWatts my view is always buy solder and flux from well known distributors, so you can see the MSDS sheet.
      Which ChipQuik product did you look at I can't find one on their website with a long shelf life but i did not look too hard.
      but for Part Number: SMD291SNL250T3 www.chipquik.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=520001
      Shelf Life
      Refrigerated >6 months, unrefrigerated >2 months ?
      is that not the greater then symbol '>' so if you don't refrigerate it it will last greater then 2 months. 12 months is greater than 2 so how long does it last :)
      maybe they need an "up to" symbol.

  • @LimbaZero
    @LimbaZero 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I usually just tin the pads and add some flux. After that I place smd components on board and use hot air to solder them.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Absolutely a viable way! This by no means the best way. It was to show one of my commenters one way to use paste without a stencil.

  • @svenpetersen1965
    @svenpetersen1965 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The solder paste is getting too dry, when it is old. Mixing it with flux gel was my rescue, too. The syringes are not great, it helps to have this contraption, that pushed more equally, because it has a thread. I use it for flux and for solder paste. The cooles diy method of soldering SMD is a hot plate. I have a big one (20cm x 20cm), but that‘s an overkill. 10cm x 10cm is usually sufficient.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Getting a hotplate is still on my wishlist. I am actually waiting for the bigger version of the Miniware MHP30 hotplate.

  • @bitchkoemer
    @bitchkoemer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Which type of microscope are you using?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This was made with the Eakins HDMI Microscope with SONY IMX290 sensor. I did a review of it a while back on my channel: th-cam.com/video/b3sHHVctGyU/w-d-xo.html

  • @SciDIY
    @SciDIY 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very satisfying

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There is something very relaxing about watching solder reflow... :)

  • @SevenDeMagnus
    @SevenDeMagnus 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Solder paste vs. liquid solder? Which is better?

    • @kaihorstmann2783
      @kaihorstmann2783 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      SevenDeMagnus I am not aware of any ‚liquid solder‘ existing.

  • @MACYNET323
    @MACYNET323 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The flux already contained on solder past isn't sufficent?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      For regular use it is. Sometimes paste is a bit dry or when you need it to be a bit more liquid you can add some extra flux. This trick I use when I do not have a nice way of applying it. But generally when you have solder paste, the flux in there should be sufficient.

  • @danlscan
    @danlscan ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks!

  • @ianitang8409
    @ianitang8409 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you

  • @zahirkhan778
    @zahirkhan778 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You make it look easy. Its not always this easy. Bridges are hard to fix

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      Bridges around a QFN chip are the easiest to fix in my opinion. Just run your soldering iron tip along the side of the chip. It is even more easy if you add some flux :)

  • @maicod
    @maicod 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    10:15 hope you heard me shouting there was a solder bridge over the ~65KMs between us :-)

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I heard you... I fixed it right away!

    • @maicod
      @maicod 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I noticed :)

  • @amadzack666
    @amadzack666 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    it is quiet hard to get perfect amount of solder paste,i'm still learning to solder qfn20

  • @pentachronic
    @pentachronic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    It's worth making your own stencils out of a soda/coke/aluminium can. You can make any stencil you want and just squeegie the paste on exactly.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've seen some videos on that. I usually order a stencil when I order boards. This was more on how I do it when I have small footprints and no stencil.

  • @NicksStuff
    @NicksStuff 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    That PCB looks like it doesn't have solder mask *between* the pads. Is that the case?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  16 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      Unfortunately yes. It i a cheap brreakout PCB. Although a lot of board houses also don't do soldermask when the gap is to small. It will cost you extra.

  • @TheVinn3h
    @TheVinn3h 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i dont know what its called.... this brown packing tape... made me chuckle

  • @petereros5694
    @petereros5694 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It would worth a try to make the solder paster more fluid and immerse the chip pins into it. Then all the pins would get enough solder paste and those won't be contacted at all ( compared as it would in case of more solder paste than using a wire).

  • @zusUb
    @zusUb 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you

  • @DigicoolThings
    @DigicoolThings 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice demonstration Dustin. I see others mentioning the shelf life of solder paste. But your application is likely also a good way to make use of older solder paste, given my understanding that the shelf life issue is related to the flux going off / drying out. By mixing in some flux with the paste that you intend to immediately use, you can rejuvinate older paste. But only when you are going to use the mixture straight away. :)

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Digicool Things! Indeed.. letting this mixture sit for a while won't work as good. Mix it and use it! :)

  • @thebeginnerelectronicattac8320
    @thebeginnerelectronicattac8320 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video. Thanks for saving me like 2 dollars on stencils

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My first thought is that this is sarcasm... but I do enjoy some good sarcasm! :)

    • @thebeginnerelectronicattac8320
      @thebeginnerelectronicattac8320 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DustinWatts looking back I didn’t mean it as sarcasm.

    • @davidlawrence5148
      @davidlawrence5148 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You can get stencils that cheap?

  • @kaihorstmann2783
    @kaihorstmann2783 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    From own experience and seeing lots of such Video IMHO bridging is caused by to much solder. If you are frugal with it it does not matter if you lay a string across pads if it is narrow enough. During reflow it will retract back to the pads and break up over the solder stop due to the surface tension. I smeared once the paste all over the pads of a qfn. But using a 0.1 mm thick stencil the quantity was small. At the end it reflowed relay beautifully.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree. If you can afford it definitely go with a stencil, it will make your life so much easier!

  • @kailinnainsaari2972
    @kailinnainsaari2972 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    138 °C solder paste or tin is only intended for removing components. By adding it to the already existing solder, a reduced soldering temperature is obtained and thus the removal of the component becomes easier. 138°C tin or paste must not be used to make new solders! All such low temperature solder must be carefully removed before permanent soldering. Permanent soldering either standard for lead solder with 60/40 tin or lead-free.😊

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      This is the first I have heard of this. And I dont't think this is true. 138°C LT solderpaste is used for stenceling a lot. Brands like Chipquick sell them and I have used them a lot myself. The profile calls off course for a peak of higher then 138°C (out of the top of my head is it 165°C). Which is used for manufacturing and not only for re-work. I'd like to get a source for you information because I believe you are wrong.

  • @cowboy6591
    @cowboy6591 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice method sir. I will try a mix myself along with a hot plate to assist in the solder attracting itself to the pads. I have a laser solder gun on order to. And am looking into a full optical camera microscope with laser attachment and a CNC joystick operated mechanical robotic arm to fight my Parkinson's disease. I'll use a micro vacuum tipped hyperdermic needle to grab and release chips as needed. These shaky hands really stink. It'l be about $5000 bucks to get around them.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Very inspiring! Is there somewhere we could follow your project?

  • @thedancingpipestuffer
    @thedancingpipestuffer 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you have to press really hard on your flux syringe and still barely getting anything, just get a thicker needle.
    The higher viscosity the thicker needle you need

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Correct, but then it could be that you get to much paste out if your pad is a tiny one.

  • @llewellynwilliams1956
    @llewellynwilliams1956 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    so if you mix to much an put to much on the needed solder track it will just jump on the other tracks

  • @tounho
    @tounho ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Alternative title: How to make solder broth.

  • @technicsmelancholic6289
    @technicsmelancholic6289 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is Really good,I've been thinking about working whit solder paste,I work on turntables,I do tonearm rewiring ,RCA replacement,pcb boards replacement etc,this will work for me Really good,what's the best solder paste brand to work whit ? Great vid thanks !

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      Your are welcome! Nowadays I use Chipquik TS391LT. But the cheaper Mechanic solder paste is also really good! For example the Mechanic XGZ and XGSP series are pretty good.

    • @technicsmelancholic6289
      @technicsmelancholic6289 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@DustinWatts Got it,Hey thanks for replying, I'll check it out ! Have a good one!

  • @almostanengineer
    @almostanengineer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This could come in handy, I've got a few IS31FL3728's to solder and they only come in QFN-24 😑

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Good luck Daniel! Let me know how it turns out!

  • @wombatau
    @wombatau 21 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    Try watchmakers oil applicators. They are about $2 and they look like super tiny shovels under a microscope of all different sizes. Extremely handy.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  21 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      I like handy things :D I think you mean for applying the solder paste? For 2$ it is definitely worth a shot :D In fact, there is already one in my shopping cart on Ali :P Thanks for the tip!

    • @wombatau
      @wombatau 21 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@DustinWatts They are very handy, the smallest I have is 0.15mm (red), the largest is 0.45mm (black). The smallest I almost never use, same with the largest. Mine are aliexpress bergeon copies.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@wombatau I'll order all colours and see what works the best for me. They are cheap so worth actually giving them all a try.
      Btw, I always use stencils. This was just a reaction to some one who asked what can I do when I have no stencil, no syringe, or anything, just paste and a board.

    • @wombatau
      @wombatau 18 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@DustinWatts Awesome 👍 I don’t know if it helps also, but sharing because when I learned it, it kinda blew my mind. A bit of a secret watchmaker trick with tweezers and tiny parts is they dress their tweezers with a stone, as in, make them a perfect surface and also rough it up a bit. That’s how they do such fine work without gears and springs pinging off into oblivion.
      I learned it whilst trying to learn how to fix a couple of watches and a clock. The clock works great. The watch.. well.. one of them I fixed works pretty good, but the other one I sent a jewel into space. I then learned about dressing the tweezers.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  17 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

      @@wombatau I always feel amazed if I learn about something that is intended to use for something totally different, works perfect for what I need it for!
      A example, I use dentist tools for some electronic application. Works like a charm!

  • @nickturin432
    @nickturin432 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Temp air?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I usually set it to 400 degrees, but with very low airflow and a distance of 10cm from the board. Going in small circles until the solder starts reflowing.

  • @mikedenmark7854
    @mikedenmark7854 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Can't there be a short under the part?

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @mikedenmark7854 Technically yes. But you can check the pins from the outside you you can rule those out.
      And the pad underneath of the chip is ground (usually for heat dissipation), so if nothing shorts to ground you can rule out a short to underneath the chip. And of course, don't put heaps of solder paste on. A little is enough.

  • @josephblack9870
    @josephblack9870 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why do you have to have to use the chip on the panel

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Why I soldered the chip to the board? This is a break outboard, so it gives me access to all the pins of the tiny chip.

  • @lordjohnpp
    @lordjohnpp 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You should use more flux when you clear the bridges. It will be way more easy for you. And also to not wander if the middle pin is soldered - when the chip is settled press it to the board it will push out all excess solder out and with enough flux it will guarantee that there will be no bridges under the chip. Continue pressing until solder hardens. Clean the outside bridges adding more flux. Last step - cleanup the flux.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Flux is your friend you are right! Pushing on chips when soldering them is something I rarely do. You have the possibility to create a short between the EP (ground pad) and a pin. I usually let them just float on the solder.

    • @lordjohnpp
      @lordjohnpp 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@DustinWatts Yes you are right about the short that might happen, but if you use more flux it just won't happen, because the solder will be pushed outside of the chip. And yes, there will be some solder blobs on the legs of the IC, but again with more flux and soldering iron you will clean them easily.

  • @keithcoltron3171
    @keithcoltron3171 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Use a drag tip on your iron, much easier, works first time every time at least it does for me.

    • @danosdotnl
      @danosdotnl 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      indeed...why am i messing with this paste...nice for production runs+stencil but kinda tired of hot air and then needing to rework it anyway with an iron/wick

  • @tookitogo
    @tookitogo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    3:10 Don't you mean _less_ viscous? (Viscous means thick.) The flux you added made it less viscous, not more.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I absolutely do! I more or less mixed up my words there :)

    • @tookitogo
      @tookitogo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@DustinWatts OK cool, wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed something.
      I’m gonna have to try this. I think the manufacturer of the solder paste we use (chipquik) sells the exact same fluxes that are in the paste as gel fluxes.

  • @benbaggen2375
    @benbaggen2375 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why would you use 400° when the low melt literally says 138 on it...now that the board has hit high temp already, any future repairs have a higher chance of damaging it from multiple heating and cooling.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Because the airflow is very low the board never reaches 400 degrees. I'll do a followup video with a thermocouple so you can see the actual temperature of the board.

  • @zyghom
    @zyghom 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    bridges outside the chip are ok - easy to remove, but sometimes there are bridges under the chip ;-(

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      To see those you have to have x-ray eyes. But pushing down on the ship when the solder is still molten, will usually push excess solder to the outside, which you can then clean up with a soldering iron....

  • @ryun_d3v
    @ryun_d3v 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gotta like this video...

  • @ntal5859
    @ntal5859 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    MORE viscous um don't you mean less... Viscous is how slow it flows. ie Oil is more viscous then water.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I've gotten so many comments about my misuse if the word viscous, I will never forget it :D

  • @FreedomAirguns
    @FreedomAirguns 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    @3:13
    You mean LESS viscous not MORE... :P

  • @spacenodus7959
    @spacenodus7959 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Look mum no syringe just molly 😂

  • @JohnPap21
    @JohnPap21 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    5 days to solder a chip. This is why i no longer doing this job, its really annoying.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      5 days? That is a lot of pins! :)

  • @fernandohood5542
    @fernandohood5542 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a pain in the ass format for DIYERS

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It starts out like that... but after some practice. It is not that bad!

  • @phasepanther4423
    @phasepanther4423 ปีที่แล้ว

    I find that less viscous liquids will be easier to transfer personally.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      Perfect! Whatever works best for you, right? :)

  • @Anyone700
    @Anyone700 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Polypropylene is the tape you are using.

  • @edgeeffect
    @edgeeffect 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good job... for me QFN packages are still the work of the devil.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      But once you get the hang of it... a whole new world of IC's opens up to you!

    • @darkwinter6028
      @darkwinter6028 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      If you think that’s bad, try fine-pitch BGA. Many of them are so small that you can’t route them out on standard prototype PCB processes (JLCPCB, PCB way, SEEDstudio, etc) without violating the trace/space limits.

  • @Flavius-Tech
    @Flavius-Tech ปีที่แล้ว

    That chip should not take longer then 30 seconds to be soldered with conventional method with iron.
    Your method will take at least 10 times longer.

  • @RogerTannous
    @RogerTannous 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    To remove excessive solder, using solder wick would deliver better results, and may require none or fewer iterations over the same pins...

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I find that using wick on such small pads doesn't work well for me.

  • @Rick_Cavallaro
    @Rick_Cavallaro 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You're making it LESS viscous by adding flux.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I know... I corrected myself in the comments. I used the word wrong :)

  • @satreaaji
    @satreaaji 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Solder paste + flux would be better

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Isn't that exactly what I did?

  • @melon0909
    @melon0909 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Normal soldering techniqe with soldering iron is faster.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes it is. This was more a video if you insist using solderpaste but do not have a stencil :D

  • @kazdean
    @kazdean ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Slow and overly complicated for a pretty ordinary result. Just add solder to the pads with a regular iron then use a heat gun and flux paste to place the chip, you will get a better result in much less time.

    • @DustinWatts
      @DustinWatts  ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree. There are much better ways to solder the chip on the video to the board. This video was just about how you could do it without a stencil, with paste, and without a syringe.

  • @RandomPsychic
    @RandomPsychic 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    FFS get a stencil already

  • @mrcopcon
    @mrcopcon ปีที่แล้ว

    This is what we call robust in america...bS