Nicholas WeaverJan 20, 2023

One of the often ignored but substantial things 3D printers buy is the ability to quickly make custom jigs.

How am I going to assemble this test board of mine with 0402 components WITHOUT going crazy (i hope)?

I got an additional solder-mask template that is actually for placing the parts themselves, and printing a jig to hold it on yet be easy to remove without disturbing the parts.

Show threadMarkJan 20, 2023
@ncweaver
A 3D printer is really pretty similar to a pick and place machine ...
Show threadNicholas WeaverJan 20, 2023

@zl2tod I wish...

I'd love it if someone made a desktop pick & place machine...

Show threadMarkJan 20, 2023
@ncweaver
Some clever clogs could design a pick and place head to mount next to an existing 3D printer head ... and a reel handler ... and a not insignificant amount of software.
Perhaps they already have.
Show threadMarkJan 20, 2023
@ncweaver
Yup, lotsa hits.
Show threadNicholas Weaver

@zl2tod Yeah, but homebrew finnicky. Nothing commercial & affordable, and I'm inclined to pay extra for systems that are reliable.

So lacking that, it is can I do something by hand...

Jan 20, 2023 at 10:11pmWeb
Show threadMarkJan 20, 2023
@ncweaver
Fair call.