TPU base plate for double 10x2 magnets - for "Soldering aid" or "Soldering station"

Modification to the TPU base plate that allows you to use two 10x2mm magnets.
2
4
0
61
updated October 16, 2024

Description

PDF

The TPU base plate model used for MW's Soldering Aid - clamp with magnetic base and Soldering Station / Magnetic PCB Holder fits a single 8x3mm magnet. This remix uses two 10x2mm magnets which have a bit more magnetic force, which feels just a little bit nicer to me and matches my other magnetic accessories better.

Important note: The 10x2 magnets I have are actually 10 mm x 1.7 mm. The other metric magnets I have (6x2, 8x3) also all caliper at 0.3mm undersize on the thickness, which I feel cannot be a coincidence. So, this model is designed for nominal 10x2 mm magnets that are actually 10x1.7 mm.

Printing instructions:

Filament: TPU (mine is Shore 95 A)
Layer height: 0.2mm
Perimeters: 2
Infill: 10%
No supports

Special assembly instructions for the Soldering Aid - clamp with magnetic base:

Because this base is 0.5mm thicker to accommodate ~4mm of magnets instead of ~3mm, if you don't do anything special, the clamp will rock a little more when you actuate it.

This is my fix for the clamp rocking:

  • Scuff up the bottom of the fixed arm's “handle” (the little square protruding part of the base) with 220 grit sandpaper.
  • Install this base on the clamp.
  • Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to a flat, heat resistant surface
  • Apply hot glue directly to the bottom of the fixed arm's “handle”
  • White the glue is still hot, press the base down onto the surface, with the hot glue only contacting the vaseline. Press down on the center of the round part of the base, not the “handle” part – see attached photo.
  • Wait for the hot glue to cool
  • Trim off any excess hot glue with a hobby knife if desired
  • You can now lift the clamp, the foot pad should be complete.

This creates a perfect rock-free soft pad underneath the protruding handle on the clamp.

The “proper” way to fix this would be to make a variant TPU base specifically for the clamp, or modify the clamp fixed jaw to lift it up 0.5mm. I can do this if there is actually enough demand.

Additionally, if you glue the magnets to the bottom of the TPU base with a little superglue it seems like it makes the magnetic force slightly more consistent.

Instructions for use with Soldering Station / Magnetic PCB Holder:

No special assembly steps should be required, but I have not personally tested them with this model yet.

If you glue the magnets to the bottom of the TPU base with a little superglue it seems like it makes the magnetic force slightly more consistent.

Tags



Model origin

The author remixed this model.

Differences of the remix compared to the original

The hole has been enlarged to fit two 10x2mm magnets. The base plate is 0.5mm taller as a result.

License