Desktop PCB Assembly: Bringing SMT Manufacturing to Your Workbench
Brought to you by the IEEE Consultants Network of Long Island (LICN)
Have you ever designed a PCB only to face the daunting costs and minimum order quantities of professional assembly houses? Or perhaps you've wondered how modern electronics achieve such incredible miniaturization with components smaller than a grain of rice? Maybe you're curious about how to bridge the gap between your Eagle or KiCAD designs and a working prototype?
In this comprehensive presentation, we'll journey through the evolution of electronics assembly—from the wire-wrapped chassis of the 1940s to today's desktop manufacturing revolution. You'll discover how modern benchtop equipment is democratizing PCB assembly, making it accessible to consultants, educators, makerspaces, and small businesses.
The presentation will cover three main areas:
Historical Perspective & Technology Evolution We'll explore how electronics manufacturing evolved from point-to-point wiring through the through-hole era to surface mount technology. You'll learn why each transition occurred, what problems were solved, and what new challenges emerged. We'll examine component packaging trends from massive tube sockets to microscopic 01005 chips, and understand the trade-offs between size, cost, and manufacturability.
Modern Desktop Assembly Process Dive deep into the complete workflow from schematic to assembled PCB. We'll demonstrate the entire process from PCB design, explore critical concepts like stencil design and paste application, and reveal the secrets of successful pick-and-place operation. You'll learn about vision systems, component feeders, reflow profiles, and how desktop equipment handles everything from 0402 passives to fine-pitch QFPs and even BGAs.
Live Demonstration & Practical Applications Watch as we assemble a real PCB from start to finish using the Neoden YY1 Assembly Bundle. We'll demonstrate component placement for various package types, discuss common assembly defects and their solutions, and show you exactly what's possible with equipment that fits on a standard workbench. You'll leave understanding how PCBs are designed and assembled and how to get started with your own assembly line.
Whether you're an engineer tired of waiting weeks for prototype assembly, an educator looking to bring hands-on manufacturing to your classroom, or a startup founder trying to bridge the gap between prototype and production, this presentation will equip you with the knowledge to bring professional PCB assembly capabilities to your own workspace
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Speakers
James Gallina of Neoden USA
The PCB Technology Evolution
James Gallina is General Manager at Neoden USA, where he oversees technical support and educational partnerships for desktop SMT equipment. With a Master's Degree in Science Education from Brooklyn College and over 10 years as a science educator, James transitioned into the PCB assembly industry through hands-on work repairing and optimizing pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, and other SMT equipment. He brings end-to-end expertise in the assembly process, from component handling to reflow profiling, and specializes in making industrial PCB assembly technology accessible to educational institutions and small-scale manufacturers. Through this presentation, he aims to demystify SMT assembly and demonstrate how desktop equipment can bridge the gap between prototyping and production.
Joseph Payne of Neoden USA
The Modern Desktop Assembly Process
Joseph Payne is Business Manager at Neoden USA, where he has driven growth while expanding the company's technical support capabilities for SMT equipment distribution. He holds a Master's in Nautical Science from New Zealand Maritime School and brings diverse experience from maritime operations, software development, and electronics manufacturing as former COO of Wolff Audio. Joseph combines practical PCB assembly experience with systems integration expertise, having implemented comprehensive ERP systems and established contract manufacturing operations using desktop SMT equipment. A self-taught programmer who has developed multiple B2B platforms and SaaS applications, he aims to share practical insights on making professional PCB assembly accessible and economically viable for consultants, startups, and small businesses.
Agenda
7:00 PM Networking and Announcements
7:15 PM Presentation