QFN Soldering successes? Anyone?

[SurvivorMcGyver]

I have some key chips I'd like to use but they are only available in a QFN or similar package that requires refolw soldering. One VERY special chip is a QFN20

Has anyone had any successes in (cheap) reflow techniques?

Obviously the etch and the stencil are important (ratios , etc.... and I hope to master the first part at home but, for obvious reasons will "buy out" on the stencil from Polou)

Anyway, just would like to hear from anyone that has has any succuss with any of the "cheaper" methods of this type fabrication . Hot plate, toaster oven WHATEVER...........

PM me or post here

Thanks

 

[Charged]

QFN and BGA are tough ones. I've succefully done a few at home just using a heat gun to get the solder paste to flow. At least using a heat gun you can direct the heat along the solder areas and not wacking the component itself as much. I would be leary about sticking the hole thing in an oven and hoping for the best. I suppose you could try an oven and then hit it later with a heat gun if you have problems.

Most of the time if they have QFN, they also have it in TQFP or SOIC. You can easily just hand solder those. I cover all the pins with solder and heat a hole row at a time shorting all the pins together. Then use some solder wick and wick the excess solder of one section at a time.

Sorry not much help.

 

[Pendarus]

I have some key chips I'd like to use but they are only available in a QFN or similar package that requires refolw soldering. One VERY special chip is a QFN20

Has anyone had any successes in (cheap) reflow techniques?

Obviously the etch and the stencil are important (ratios , etc.... and I hope to master the first part at home but, for obvious reasons will "buy out" on the stencil from Polou)

Anyway, just would like to hear from anyone that has has any succuss with any of the "cheaper" methods of this type fabrication . Hot plate, toaster oven WHATEVER...........

PM me or post here

Thanks

Take a look at this:

SparkFun Electronics

Many different ways of doing at home reflow.

 

[SurvivorMcGyver]

Thanks for the help -- Sparkfun is a great place (as is Boulder, a previous "Stomping Ground" of mine. Saw Stills, Nash and Young just jamming away one night at a bar sitting around a table .... and then some........)

I think I'll try modding a PWM/ controller for a hot plate as well as the heat gun (need to invest in some noozles -- sorry no PWM for THAT sucker in mind - or is there?)

My main concern is the center pad connection -- who knows what's going on there - xray seems the only way to REALLY know. guess I'll do one device and bread-board-test it first before padding the whole thing up.

I'll look harder for a SOIC and the TQPF but have had no luck as of yet.

Got my PCB design all but complete -- except I found I need to tweek some traces for current yet hopfully keep it sized right (errrrrrr and then revamp the whole durn thing with a new foot print device ?? hope not -- it's like itty-bitty).

BTW The wick is a wonderful dressing tool for making a sloppy/shaky job Look - well -- like I was a pro LOL.

Still open for sugestions if anyone has them.

Indistructables has quite a few (potencially) great resources for anyone who wants to know - guess I'll just have to subscribe on of these days.

Latters - and thank for the input