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Tools, Lab

Info

REV: 2021-07-21

SAFETY

SAFETY GLASSES: MILWAUKEE, 48-73-2040 (fully-framed clear lens with impact-resist and anti-fog, gasket)

FUME EXTRACTOR: PUREX, FUMECUBE (with stainless steel arm kit, pre-filter, combo HEPA/chemical filter)

ORDERING ID: 072155-1

DISTRIBUTOR: TEQUIPMENT

FUME EXTRACTOR: PACE, ARM-EVAC 150 with SteadyFlex Arm and Nozzle Assembly

ORDERING ID: 8889-0150-P1

DISTRIBUTOR: TEQUIPMENT

  • FIRE EXTINGUISHER
  • FIRST AID KIT
  • CIRCUIT BREAKER (ACCESSIBLE, LABELED, KNOWN)
  • GFCI PROTECTION (ON ALL AC PORTS)

Work Table

TABLE: HUSKY, HOLT46XDB12CA (46-inch, adjustable-height) (RECOMMENDED)

MONITOR MOUNT: ERGOTRON, 45-509-216 (dual, tall-pole, white) (RECOMMENDED)

WORK PLATE: ALPHIDIA, Quadhands Jumbo Workbench (powder-coated steel, magnetic-base flex-holders)

Equipment

MICROSCOPE: AMSCOPE, SM-4NTP (7X-45X, stereo, metal levers, variable zoom and zoom lock) (simul-focal camera port; concurrent use of stereo-view and camera-port) (RECOMMENDED)

HOT AIR TOOL: QUICK, 861DW (as recommended by EEVlog and Louis-Rossman) (dual-unit; supports C/F; hold CH2 and CH3 to toggle) (RECOMMENDED)

SOLDERING STATION: PACE, 8007-0579 (ADS200 Accudrive with Instant Setback Cubby) (120W, thermal tips, 177C to 454C, 1.1C idle stability, ANSI/J-STD-001, 3 temperature presets, extruded-aluminum frame)

FLUID DISPENSER: NORDSON EFD, 7364361 (UltimusPlus 1) (10 to 100 psi, 2019 release)

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY (adjustable voltage and current)

OSCILLOSCOPE

SMALL 3D PRINTER: LULZBOT, Mini 2

MEDIUM 3D PRINTER: LULZBOT, Taz Pro

CNC Machining

5-Axis CNC Machine: BROTHER, Speedio M200X3 (3050kg, LWH: 3.1m x 1.3m x 2.6m, UNIT MFG: 2020-09)

(INTL DIST: YAMAZEN) (EAST CANADA DIST: FERRO TECHNIQUE)

The default North America model includes:

  • 16k rpm spindle with dual-contact BT30 spindle-toolholder interface
  • 22-slot automatic tool-changer (1.4s chip-chip) (0.8s tool-tool)
  • top cover
  • PLC
  • A-axis clamp (turning axis) and C-axis clamp (4th axis)
  • chip shower and 150L coolant tank with chute
  • automatic grease lubricator
  • Coolant-Thru-Spindle Interface (CTSI) (WARNING: requires 1.5MPa, double-check)

Extras:

  • hydraulic interface

Dedicated Phase Converter: Phase Technologies, PTE010RQT-H3S1 (Phase Perfect Enterprise, 10HP, NEMA 3R, Quiet, On/Off Switch, Protec Surge Protection, 30kg) (input 1-phase 240VAC, output 3-phase 240VAC with max steady-state 36A and class 10 thermal-overload motor-starting)

Dedicated Step-Down Transformer: 3-phase 240VAC to 3-phase 220VAC, isolation, 10kVA (WARNING: machine requires 200 to 230VAC)

Dedicated Air Compressors: Makita, MAC320Q (2 parallel units for 165L/min at 0.5MPa)

Vise:

Adapter Plate:

Toolholder1:

Tool1:

Toolholder2:

Tool2:

Toolholder3:

Tool3:

Small Parts Storage

PORTABLE LABEL PRINTER: BRADY, BMP21-PLUS (AA batteries) (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

Create time-saving labels faster with better clarity, consistency, durability than hand-writing or non-portable printing.

ORDERING ID: BRADY, 139535

STANDARD: Transparent Slider Bags (STRONGLY RECOMMENDED)

Light-weight, compact (conforms to contents), fast-identify, fast open/close.

We've tried different sizes. Too small and the bags are slow because we can't reach in with a full hand and the top is more rigid. Too big and the bags are slow because more distance to slide-open/close, plus harder to fit in compact containers; but big bags can contain smaller bags nicely.

SIZE: 200mm X 175mm (8in X 7in) (great for standard use) (RECOMMENDED)

SIZE: 16in X 12in (intended to fit several smaller bags for categorized organization. fits inside a typical large plastic/kraft storage box)

ORDERING: ULINE, HEFTY SLIDERS

Powered Hand Tools

CORDLESS DRILL: MAKITA

SHEET METAL NIBBLER: MAKITA

FLASHLIGHT: FENIX, HT18 (1500 lumens max, 4 bright modes plus strobe, 21700 lithium-ion battery with integrated USB-C charging, IP68 waterproof to 2m, aluminum-frame impactproof to 1m) (RECOMMENDED)

Hand Tools

Screwdriver: PICQUIC, Super 8 Plus (durable, friction-fit bit compartment, magnetic bit holder) (recommended)

Retractable Utility Knife: STANLEY, Classic 99 (retractable blade, all-metal, spare blade compartment) (recommended)

Straight Scissors: MILWAUKEE, Jobsite Series, 48-22-4041 (recommended)

Offset Scissors: MILWAUKEE, Jobsite Series, 48-22-4040 (recommended)

Discrete hex keys fit in tight places. Combination hex keys don't get lost easily.

  • HEX KEY SET, METRIC
  • HEX KEY SET, SAE
  • HEX KEY COMBO-TOOL, METRIC
  • HEX KEY COMBO-TOOL, SAE

Tongue-and-Groove Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Slip-Joint Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Cutting Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Linemen Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Long Nose Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Long Reach Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Crimping Pliers: CHANNELLOCK

Mechanical Bits

Drill Bit Sets:

  • 1mm to 13mm (cobalt steel, 0.5mm increments)
  • 6mm to 10mm (cobalt steel, 0.1mm increments)
  • 1mm to 6mm (black-oxide high-speed steel, 0.1mm increments)

Driving Bit Sets:

  • industrial: VEGA, VHS100A (S2 Steel, 100-piece)

Ball-End Metric Hexbit Set (for power tools)

Quick-Release Hexbit-Holder (for power tools)

Tap Bit Sets (taper, plug, bottoming):

  • M1.6x0.35
  • M2x0.4
  • M2.5x0.45
  • M3x0.5
  • M4x0.7
  • M5x0.8
  • M6x1
  • M8x1.25
  • M10x1.5
  • M12x1.75

Measurement

Digital Calipers (Primary): MITUTOYO, 500-752-20 (Dual-Unit, Digital, IP67, 1X SR44 battery) - Product Info

Vernier Calipers (Backup): MITUTOYO, 530-312 (Dual-Unit, Mechanical) - Product Info

Small Weight Scale: OHAUS, NVT22000 (22kg capacity. 4X overload protection. 1g accuracy. 4X C batteries or 4X AA batteries with adapters) - Product Info

Large Weight Scale: OHAUS, OHASD200L (200kg capacity, 0.1kg accuracy)

Compressed Air System

AIR COMPRESSOR: MAKITA, MAC100Q (2019)

PRODUCT PAGE

  • under 15kg, 4.5L tank, 90s fill, 135psi max, 58dB rating
  • tank gauge, output regulator, output gauge, manual bleed-valve
  • power switch, roll-cage design, power cord-wrap

Notes: We needed a quiet, compact, simple compressor for in-house PCBA solder-paste dispensing. This has been good so far (under 100hrs).

AIR HOSE: Quick-Connect EPDM-Rubber Hose (3m, 1/4in I/M male to 1/4in I/M female, 1/2in OD, 300psi) (MCMASTERCARR, 5138K18)

AIR FILTER-REGULATOR: SMC, CA Preparation Module (MCMASTERCARR, 3298N12)

  • aluminum body, gauge port (1/8in NPT)
  • 5 micron filter, for air/water
  • 145psi max, 7.25psi to 125psi regulator (3% accuracy, push-down knob-lock)
  • made in Japan, RoHS3

Notes: This needs port accessories. See below. Mount all with sealant.

  • Input Adapter, 1/4in I/M Quick-C Male to 1/4in NPT Male (tape/compound)
  • Output Adapter, MCMASTERCARR, 7610N162: 1/4in NPT Male (O-ring typically included) to Push-to-Connect Female (for 6mm OD tubing, ISO 14743)
  • Drain Adapter, 1/4in NPT Male (tape/compound) to Any Stopper

OUTPUT AIR TUBE: Clear Polyurethane Rubber Tubing (6mm OD, 4mm ID, 95A Durometer, 160psi max, Made in US, RoHS3, REACH) (MCMASTERCARR, 50315K69)

Soldering Station Accessories

TIPS:

0.40mm (1/64in) Conical Sharp (SKU, 1131-0002-P1)

0.80mm (1/32in) Conical Sharp (SKU, 1131-0001-P1)

0.80mm (1/32in) Chisel 30° (SKU, 1131-0012-P1)

1.59mm (3/32in) Chisel 30° (SKU, 1131-0019-P1)

3.18mm (1/8in) Chisel 30° (SKU, 1131-0051-P1)

5.15mm (13/64in) Chisel (SKU, 1131-0010-P1)

3.05mm (3/25in) Miniwave (SKU, 1131-0032-P1)

SOLDER WIRE

TESTING: KESTER, 268 Series, Lead-Free (Halogen Free, No-Clean)

This has most of what we want but is not rated for cleaning with IPA.

We recommend the following solder-wire characteristics:

  • SAC305 solder alloy (lead-free)
  • low-activity no-halogen flux (category L0)
  • no-clean flux, but cleanable with IPA

Solder-wire is normally thermally-stable.

SOLDER PASTE

PCB assembly with solder-paste can be very efficient if you have good tools for paste dispensing, part pick-and-place, and thermal reflow.

We recommend the following solder-paste characteristics:

  • SAC305 solder alloy (lead-free)
  • thermally-stable (no refrigeration/warm-up required)
  • low-activity no-halogen flux (category L0)
  • no-clean flux, but cleanable with IPA

TESTING: CHIPQUIK, solder-paste no-fridge lead-free no-clean SAC305

ORDERING ID: TS391SNL250 (250 GRAM, JAR)

ORDERING ID: TS391SNL500C (500 GRAM, SYRINGE)

FLUX

We strongly recommend flux that is low-copper-penetration halogen-free composition for safety. This is marked "L0" as specified by ANSI/J-STD-004.

Fluid Dispenser Accessories

PRODUCT PAGE

Note: We mainly use this to dispense solder paste and sometimes liquid-adhesive/potting compound. Includes a foot pedal for efficient/accurate manual dispensing. Instead of the touchscreen we prefer to use a wireless mouse (LOGITECH, M190). Use 80+ psi for fine gauge dispensing of solder paste; use steady mode for start-of-session purging (as noted in quick-start guide).

ACCESSORIES:

  • 30cc adapter assembly, 0.9m (O-ID: 7012338)
  • 30cc syringe barrel and piston, 20-pack (O-ID, 7012136)
  • end cap, 20-pack (O-ID, 7012196)
  • tip cap, pack (O-ID, 7012198)
  • free dispensing tip kit

Electrical Accessories

USB-C CABLE: ANKER, Powerline 3 USB-C to USB-C (white, 10ft) (female to female)

Quality: Commercial, High

  • 60W max power
  • 480Mbps max speed (USB2 datarate)

Medium Storage

Mailer Boxes

Boxes offer good stackability and hard shell protection as a low-cost rigid part container. Mailer boxes add quick, tool-free reclosable convenience.

Hard Cases

NANUK - Product Info

Hard Organizers

MILWAUKEE, Packout Series - Product Info

(RECOMMENDED)

The most time-efficient small-parts organizer that we know. Semi-transparent top, durable frame, removable subcontainers, quiet and ergonomic latches.

Low Profile Organizer (ORDERING ID: MILWAUKEE, 48-22-8431)

Standard Organizer (ORDERING ID: MILWAUKEE, 48-22-8430)

Deep Organizer (ORDERING ID: MILWAUKEE, 48-22-8432)

Mounting Plate (ORDERING ID: MILWAUKEE, 48-22-8485)

Ever since we discovered that these containers can be stacked then opened individually WITHOUT unstacking them, they have become an efficient, compact, regularly-used part of our small-parts strategy.

  • For fastest multi-access, take out the desired subcontainers from the main-containers and place on table. Return the subcontainers to the main-containers when the heavy-access period is finished.
  • For faster access, stack all main-containers vertically with the bottom mounted to a fixed surface and leave all latches open. Set a backwall such that all main-containers can be opened for access yet cannot be opened to the point the top containers would start to scatter their parts.
  • For fast access, stack and bottom-mount the same as above but close 1 or both latches for a secure hold (no protective backwall required).

CHEMICALS

  • DISTILLED WATER
  • 70% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL
  • 99% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL