Baking Your PCBs With Super Compact Reflow Oven

Introduction

I am a Mechanical Engineer by profession and having to create PCB's in not on my field and it has been my dream to finally create one. In creating your own PCB's you have the advantage of getting great design tools and hands tools as you can find in the internet. I want to show you how to make my PCB with my first SMD design project.

Step 1: Designing the PCB

I have a lot of projects using Li-Ion battery. So I want to make something that indicates the battery's remaining quantity. This time I designed the circuit that works with M51957B voltage detector IC. I used KiCAD as design tool. This tutorial helped me a lot.

Here is the schematic.

After designing, I ordered the PCBs at elecrow. Few weeks later, I received them.

Step 2: Setting PCB on the Pan

Now I got all of the parts for soldering.

There are several ways to solder the PCB. Some people prefer to use fixed oven toaster and other people prefer to use a hot plate. This time I used a compact reflow oven because it seems to be more easy to be used for a beginner and it turned out to be successful at the recently launched crowdfunding campaign.

At first, you need to set your PCB on the pan. There are two ways to fix it.

Step 3: Applying the Paste

After the setting, it's time to apply the paste. Pick up a little solder paste with a toothpick and apply it on each land.

Step 4: Mounting the Components

Let's put the components!

You don't necessarily put them on the perfect position.

They are going to settle on the right position during soldering process.

Step 5: Baking

Turn the pan and put the PCB into the oven.

Don't forget to put a board under the oven because the board would prevent the heat from transferring on to the table. This time I prefer to use wooden board however anyone can use other types such as stone board or anything that is available.

Turn on the switch and start up mobile app. Select the device and choose the 180 mode since I applied the lowest solder paste.

After about five minutes, the temperature reaches the top of the profile.

Then, take out your PCB from the oven. You will see the PCB soldered!

Step 6: Operation Checking

I connected the PCB with a LED and a 12V Li-Ion battery for confirming the operation. It worked properly. The LED turns on when the battery voltage drops.

My first SMD project was successful!

Why don't you join SMD soldering world too?