SMD Solder

Tools

 * Anti-static mat
 * Work area at "T-shirt" temperature. Cold room may inhibit solder paste adhesion
 * Bright light and magnifying glass
 * Low temperature lead-free solder paste
 * Electric skillet (designated for non-food use)
 * (Optional) glass cover for skillet improves heat retention and permits visual inspection
 * Non-magnetic stainless steel tweezers to "pick and place" PCB and components

Method 1: Solder Paste Syringe

 * Clean PCB SMD pads with alcohol on cotton swab to remove oil/dust which would prevent solder paste from sticking to pads
 * Apply solder paste to each SMD pad on PCB using syringe. When solder paste melts, solder will pull itself into place on SMD pad. Minimize paste on each pad--too much paste will create solder bridges.
 * Use tweezers to place SMD components on PCB, applying slight pressure to "set" each component.
 * Preheat (covered) electric skillet to 300F in well-ventilated area
 * Put PCB in skillet (and cover)
 * Wait till solder melts (~30 seconds)
 * Carefully remove PCB from skillet with tweezers. Solder is molten, so parts will be dislodged unless PCB is handled very gently.
 * Let cool before handling

Special Considerations
Applying solder paste with a syringe:
 * Large Pads (>2mm x 2mm): easy
 * Small Pads (>1mm x 1mm): possible with practice
 * Tiny Pads: not attempted and assumed to be very difficult