Re: Small batch SMT tools?

On Sat, 24 Aug 2024 10:23:03 -0000 (UTC), Phil Hobbs
<pcdhSpamMeSenseless@electrooptical.net> wrote:

Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

I've a colleague who has offered to "build" the first batch of
boards for my alpha site -- about 1000 pieces (though small;
about 3 sq in each; 25 different designs).
 
I feel like I'd be pushing my luck to ask him to also build the
prototypes -- about 50 total pieces.
 
I have an opportunity to rescue some kit, this weekend (PnP,
stenciler, hotplate, another Leister, etc.) if I opt to do the
prototypes myself.
 
But, I suspect this will be more work than it is worth.  (I've never
assembled boards this small and densely packed).  And, is more "stuff"
to store, here.
 
[OTOH, if I have to do any rework...]
 
Perhaps I should "ask nicely" and promise him some baked goods or
ice cream as an incentive?  Pizzas for the folks on the 'line?
 
 

>
Board stuffing has got so cheap that we don’t even stuff protos.
>
JLCPCB is the bomb, apart from the occasional rotated QFN.
>
Cheers
>
Phil Hobbs

It's crazy that, starting from the earliest days of ICs, you can make
a mistake by rotating a part. You couldn't plug in a tube wrong.