Micro-dot Solder Paste Dispenser for less than $2 by eleotlecram

Last crawled date: 2 years, 12 months ago

On YouTube, I came across the following video demonstrating a simple design for a micro-dot solder paste dispenser.
I have taken the great little concept and turned it into a design which can easily be 3D printed at home.
Besides the 3D printable parts, the design is only using relatively basic hardware. I expect the average tinkerer to already have much of this in stock. In case you are missing parts, they are very cheaply to source. (Obviously you do not need a syringe which has been approved for medical use.)
The tool itself takes a little getting used to, but for the price it can be forgiven.
For detailed instructions, see below.
Parts:
1ml Syringes
Springs (I had one of these Spring assortment boxes laying around from another project.)
Plastic Dispenser Tips (I suggest to buy straight tips, much cheaper, more generic, and they're pretty easy to bend using a heat gun; just heat evenly, slowly and keep moving.) (Sofar I have used the 0.4mm tips, these work fine for SOT23, 0805, 0603, etc.)
Luer Lock Coupler (Not mandatory, but avoids ending up with solder paste all over the place after you have transferred solder paste to the 1ml syringe.)
This tool works great in conjunction with a Hot Plate Reflow Soldering Station