Solderocket Relies on CO2 Cartridges to Operate
Nuri Erginer's desktop solder paste dispenser uses disposable CO2 cartridges rather than relying on a compressor.
Solder paste dispensers need to connect to compressed air, achieved through a large compressor. Of course, this comes with a disadvantage because these produce loud noises and a footprint. Stencils could also be used for this purpose, but they prove unsanitary, which isn’t ideal for small PCB work. That’s why Nuri Erginer developed Solderocket, a clean, small, and easy-to-use solder paste dispenser designed to operate with CO2 cartridges. Anyone interested in this solder solution, priced at $195, can place an order on MakerStorage.
Measuring 155x120x75mm and weighing 77 grams, Solderocket features two rotary knobs, allowing for time and pressure configurations so that each solder type has the correct dot size. With that implementation, users can adjust the pressure from 0 to 60 psi and timing from 50 milliseconds until trigger release. Even more, it doesn’t require a compressor to work. Instead, it relies on CO2 cartridges. Overall, the device runs on an ATmega328P microcontroller, which can be programmedwith the Arduino IDE.
Erginer laser cut 2mm aluminum sheet metal for the CO2 regulator base. Meanwhile, he employed 5ml and 3ml syringe with a Luer lock but said it’s better to use a thinner syringe to prevent more air from escaping. This also results in the CO2 cartridge making more drops.
