A Microcontroller-based and Cost-efficient Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Soldering Station

Abstract

Soldering is already a hazard as it may cause burns to whoever touches it. The fumes are dangerous and toxic when inhaled. An unskilled solderer most likely will run into health or quality of work problems while soldering. This research aims to design and develop a cost-efficient automated computer numerical- controlled soldering station equipped with temperature controls, an emergency stop button, and a ventilation system capable of vacuuming the soldering fumes out of the system. Circuits made in ExpressPCB can be converted to a g-code file using bCNC and a Python code programmed by the researchers. Then, this g-code was processed by the program, Pronterface, and was uploaded to the Arduino MEGA + RAMPS vl.4 CNC Shield. The g-code was executed by stepper motors and servo motors holding the soldering iron at an angle. Analyzing the results statistically using Minitab software, the prototype was able to match the time of the test subjects proving that it was time efficient. It was also consistent in its accuracy - being on par with the test subjects in their soldering capabilities. The integrated ventilation system of the prototype was able to vacuum out the soldering fumes in the system. It is capable of meeting the standards of proper and quality soldering techniques based on literature reviews and experimentations. Nonetheless, with a final cost of around 20,000 PHP, it was fourteen times (14x) cost-efficient with improved capabilities compared to the commercially available automated soldering station.