Pixel Pump is an open-source vacuum pump designed for manual SMT assembly. It features a pen, foot pedal, RGB LED buttons, and a variety of functions that make the process more engaging. It is ideal for both individual prototyping and small production runs.
Thoughtful, High-Quality Design
Pixel Pump comes with five stainless-steel nozzles in different sizes, with outer diameters ranging from 0.3mm to 1.8mm, making it versatile enough to pick and place most SMD components. The nozzles are securely attached using a luer lock slip fitting, enabling quick changes and broad compatibility with third-party nozzles. Additionally, the pen attaches magnetically to the Pixel Pump for easy storage.
The tactile silicone buttons, equipped with RGB backlighting, allow full control of the device. You can toggle between high and low-power modes, activate reverse mode to clean the nozzle, and adjust settings like vacuum strength and LED brightness with ease.
Pixel Pump includes a pressure relief feature that quickly releases vacuum pressure when you release the foot pedal, ensuring a swift part release. You can also configure the valve to switch between suction and pressure modes, allowing you to easily clean the nozzle if debris, like solder paste, gets sucked in by accident.
A sintered air filter protects the vacuum pump and valves from any debris that could enter the system, and it is simple to clean and reuse.
Ideal for Prototyping and Small-Scale Manufacturing
Pixel Pump is perfect for both individuals working on one-off prototypes and organizations conducting small production runs. It is easy to use and, in many cases, faster than automated pick-and-place machines for small batches, especially when combined with SMD magazines.
Organize SMD Parts with Our SMD Magazines
Our SMD Magazines are injection-molded containers designed to store SMD tape, making it easy to organize and display components for picking. Standard 10mm wide labels can be used to mark the contents of each magazine, simplifying organization.
Group SMD Magazines with Our SMD-Magazine Rails
Each SMD magazine can hold up to 8 magazines, enabling you to efficiently pick and place components using the Pixel Pump. These rails also allow you to group components for specific projects and feature non-slip rubber feet for added stability.
Optional Secondary Foot Pedal
Each Pixel Pump comes with a foot pedal, but you can add a second one if needed. The second foot pedal not only allows you to switch modes and power settings, but also provides hands-free control of the iBOM app. iBOM generates an HTML report of your design, including a component list, which is extremely useful during manual component placement. The second pedal enables seamless transitions from one component to another, letting you keep your focus on the task at hand while your feet manage the flow.
Features & Specifications
- Ergonomic pen that supports various vacuum nozzles
- Flexible, heat-resistant silicone hose connecting the pen to the Pixel Pump
- Magnetic base for easy pen storage
- Strong, adjustable vacuum suitable for picking both small and large components
- Tactile RGB silicone button interface
- Foot pedal for controlling the pump
- Optional second foot pedal for hands-free control of iBOM and more functions
- Adjustable high/low power modes
- Customizable LED brightness
- Reverse mode for nozzle cleaning using pressure
- Vacuum relief valve for quick depressurization and fast part release
- Software updates via USB Type-C for convenience
- Compact design that optimizes workbench space
This project is currently crowdfunding on CrowdSupply. Check out here for more details and to show your support 🙂
If you have any questions about PCBs or PCBA, please feel free to contact me at info@wellcircuits.com.
