Summary of Reflow Master Shield – Arduino Solder Reflow Oven
The Reflow Master Shield is an Arduino shield by Paladin Enabling Technologies that converts a standard toaster oven into a solder reflow oven, enabling automated reflow soldering of surface mount devices (SMDs). Designed because commercial controllers did not meet the creator's needs, it allows hobbyists to use SMD components to build smaller, more feature-rich, and cost-effective circuit boards by melting solder paste through a controlled thermal profile.
Parts used in the Reflow Master Shield:
- Arduino (host board)
- Reflow Master Shield (Arduino shield)
- Toaster oven (as reflow oven)
- Solder paste
- Surface mount devices (SMD components)
- Printed circuit board (PCB) with SMD pads
Turn your toaster oven into your own solder reflow factory shop using the Reflow Master Shield!!!
Paladin Enabling Technologies – Reflow Master
Shield
The Reflow Master Shield from Paladin Enabling Technologies is an Arduino shield that turns your normal toaster oven into a reflow oven. A reflow oven is used in the production of electronics to change solder paste from a paste form to a liquid form and lastly to a solid form. This results in all your components being soldered for you in one run.
But let me share with you why I’ve created the Reflow Master Shield and why you would want one.
In 2012 I created my first project and I wanted to upgrade the project but soon realized that I required surface mount devices or components (SMD) to be able to do so.
The industry standard these days are to use SMD to populate boards. As you will notice from some of the following commercial boards:
Yes we can still make use of through hole components but their SMD cousins are often more feature rich and comes in at a more affordable price. Component sizes are also reduced which enables you to create a smaller circuit board which once again saves you money.
These facts lead me to get hold of a reflow oven controller.
I looked to purchase a model but didn’t find a model that suited my needs and so I set out to create my own. The Reflow Master Shield is what I came up with.
For more detail: Reflow Master Shield – Arduino Solder Reflow Oven
- What is the Reflow Master Shield?
An Arduino shield that turns a standard toaster oven into a reflow oven for soldering SMD components. - Why was the Reflow Master Shield created?
Because available commercial reflow controllers did not meet the creator's needs, prompting them to design their own. - Can I use my toaster oven with the Reflow Master Shield?
Yes, the shield is designed to convert a normal toaster oven into a reflow oven. - What does a reflow oven do?
It changes solder paste from paste to liquid to solid to solder components in one run. - Why use SMD components instead of through hole?
SMD components are often more feature rich, more affordable, and enable smaller circuit boards. - What materials do I need to perform a reflow with the shield?
You need an Arduino with the Reflow Master Shield, a toaster oven, solder paste, a PCB, and SMD components. - Does the Reflow Master Shield require an Arduino?
Yes, it is an Arduino shield and requires an Arduino host board. - Will using the shield save money on PCB production?
Using SMDs and reflow can reduce board size and component cost, which can save money.
