Magazines To Get Your SMD Components Organized!

You're making your own PCBs at home?
At one point you'll end up having a box full of components strips.
To organize these I created these little magazines.
They'll boost your placement productivity and keep your shop organized 😊
You find detailed Instructions, STL Files, Drawings, BOM and a Fusion 360 Project on Thingiverse.
UPDATE: I've just released a version with a compliant mechanism design. No screws and springs needed! Details on thingiverse.
www.thingivers...
I hope you find this project interesting. If you do, please leave a thumbs up.
Twitter: @robin7331
Here's a link to MaxInt's original design: www.thingivers...
See you next time!

[@RobinsTools]

Many many people have asked me if theses are available for purchase. So I'm currently evaluating injection molding to mass produce these magazines. Would you be interested in buying them for your shop? If so.. how many do you think you need? And what would be a rough price segment you'd be willing to pay? Helps a lot! :)

[@medamarko85]

Hi Robin, did you move in molding direction already? I would be quite interested into it. I would like 20-50pcs for my hobby stuff (some for 0603 and 0402).

[@jmcasler1512]

I too would be interested in purchasing some for my home lab. Probably 40-50 after initial evaluation

[@alanwolfinger8745]

@@jmcasler1512 Guys I've used a trusted partner for over a decade who could probably tool these for $4k per size. Usually purchase 5k at I'm guessing $0.10 or $0.20 ea, so roughly a $1 each. Would there be enough sales to do that? Otherwise I'm going to print some on my resin printer which will print probably 4 or 6 an hour and real smooth.

[@chris.davidoff]

I think $20 would be a more than fair price for something like this and a lot of people would buy it. Say, probably 10 cartridges of some type, and 1 or 2 bases with it.

[@WillianMai]

I'd definitely buy it.. When you make it, please put it on ebay for worldwide shipping. I'd buy many, even if they were not cheap.. Anything cheaper than 3d printing them would be a good deal

[@Fifury161]

Here's a tip - mark the strip red on the last 30 components before feeding them in - that way you'll know it's time to replenish!

[@certified-forklifter]

thanks

[@the_eminent_Joshua_E_Hrouda]

Just like with thermal paper rolls

[@LanesEngineering]

Oh yes I learn Quality Control and this is one of the Kanban concept.

[@riskinhos]

make a digital counter!

[@shiggydiggy7756]

@@riskinhos but how Will you make it count? By clicking on it with your hand or by some kind of a optical sensor?

[@acclymer]

Make a "Window" for the labels. You slide the label into the window instead of sticking it to the part.

[@TheAerodromeStudio]

Did you consider designing a slot into the magazine so you can slip a piece of paper in with the details of the SMD stored in it?

[@KidCe.]

Hahaha I had exactly the same thought! Would be really nice for people without a lable printer and makes it easy to change the label

[@DieselRamcharger]

@@KidCe. you misspelled gluestick

[@hyperhektor7733]

sounds like slot-shaming ;D

[@acclymer]

Haha, I guess I should have read the comments before commenting. Great minds think alike.

[@hyperhektor7733]

@@acclymer #metoo ;D

[@jordanwaeles]

Amazing idea! I too am drowning under little ESD bags and have to search through hundreds of them each time I place a component, so I'm totally considering building that.

[@Runoratsu]

Cool project, elegant solution, 'clean', well produced video… That's it, it's got all it takes to convince me to subscribe even after just one video.

[@RobinsTools]

Thanks! Glad you liked it :)

[@tinnoc]

Same here well done¡

[@mundo_electronica]

Wow!! This is a REALLY GREAT IDEA!!! Very good job man 👌🏻

[@RobinsTools]

Its really cool to get such a great feedback from you guys. Thanks! Sharing the video on Twitter (@robin7331), Facebook or other media really helps spreading this project. UPDATE: The version with the compliant mechanism design is now released. You can choose between both versions. Their both compatible with the rail. No screws, no springs no assembly. 😊

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

In general: brilliant idea with this type of storage. I have two recommendations. Rather use spring and screw than compliant mechanism. The former solution is more durable. Try using any kind of router or even Dremel-like grinder to plane the surface for sticky tape.

[@Fifury161]

@@Stefan_Kawalec I think the compliant mechanism is a much better idea - no additional assembly required. How durable do you need a dispenser? You can always print another!

[@Stefan_Kawalec]

@@Fifury161 You are right, but I just like things that are durable. Even if there's no real reason for that durability.

[@RobinsTools]

@@Stefan_Kawalec I do agree that the compliant version might loose a bit spring tension over time. I've tried PLA and ABS and both worked just fine. But I of course kept the STL files for the springloaded version on thingiverse so people can pick their preferred choice.

[@witawat]

Sorry i want to know name software or tool at time 0:49 , 1:05 thankyou!

[@mattsains]

Brilliant idea and execution!

[@Arek_R.]

The foam is quite a junky soulution, dude you have a 3D printed part, just add some integrated spring. If you don't know how, you can send me the fusion model and I can modify it. Also the label surface preparation with paint seems to be too much of a hassle, just grab flat and smooth piece of metal, heat it up to 150-200*C and press it against the surface you want glossy.

[@RobinsTools]

Good news. The fusion model is already in the thingiverse project. :)

[@Arek_R.]

@@darkracer1252 Wtf you can't, it's on the side, have you even watched the video???

[@ESZ2copyright]

I would try to bpt in on an iron for ironing clothes and “melt” it flat :)

[@timonsku]

Where did you get that pick up tool btw? Looks nicer than the crappy thing I have :D

[@johnclements3441]

Look for a Beadsmith Pick-it-up or Rhinestone vacuum pick up tool.

[@imabeapirate]

Lovely idea! I may modify to mount to a din rail that I have along my bench, which sit on 3d printed din rail holders.

[@GeertGoossens]

was thinking the same, why design a clipping system that looks like din rail sorta...

[@Vikramslm]

Exactly my thoughts..

[@johnuferbach9166]

are din rails the rails that hold the components in electrical cabinets? (sry, don't know the proper english words yet)

[@Vikramslm]

@@johnuferbach9166 Yes. Electrical components like MCBs and other stuff (Contactors, Relays, Terminal Blocks, etc..) are made Din Rail Mountable.

[@jmonsted]

For the label issue, better glue might help. For the Brother p-touch series of label printers, you can get "extra strenght adhesive" label rolls. I used those in our datacenter because regular ones tended to fall off after a while on a hot server.

[@RobinsTools]

Good point! I might order a new cartridge. Thanks!

[@sysghost]

My idea for the labels: Having a track or slot where one slide the labels in without the need to stick them down. Seen it in many other products so one can easily change labels when needed.

[@Ardren]

Not really a pretty solution, but double sided foam tape is really good for rough surfaces. I also have a feeling that plain-old paper labels/stickers would adhere a lot better than tape from a label printer.

[@MaxintRD]

Hi Robin, very nice design and a great video as well. They look well suited for the paper resistor strips as well. BTW: I often use PVC glue with PLA prints. It can be used for repairs but also for smoothing or for filling a transparent hole to let a LED shine through. Thank you for mentioning me and the original design. I didn't know of your channel, but Unexpected Maker notified me and so I just subscribed. Noticed that I have some catching up to do, watching your other videos, but I'm already looking forward to see more great things!

[@RobinsTools]

Nice to see you here! I was searching for a twitter handle but I didn't find anything. Thats actually a good tip to use PVC glue. Might try that. :)

[@MaxintRD]

@@RobinsTools - Nah, no twitter or FB for me... You can find my e-mail and GitHub via my channel page though. See kzbin.info

[@RobinsTools]

@@MaxintRD Subbed :)

[@csmole1231]

this is so cool I wanted to cry😂!

[@DreitTheDarkDragon]

Protip - use DIN rail ;) (TS-35)

[@JochemNL]

Indeed, why reinvent the wheel?

[@movax20h]

Great idea. That would be awesome. Make storage of big number of components easier too

[@brainfornothing]

Hey ! We missed you ! Very good idea, Thanks for sharing !

[@aviramiancovici93]

DUDE YOU ARE A FREAKIN GENIUS. I love it - it's so elegant. I'm sharing the pain of ESD component bags and loose unmarked components.

[@yuriy6414]

What is the name of the program on the laptop? I see a list of components on the left hand and PCB on the right.

[@tobiscorner9861]

Its Kicad with iBOM Plugin

[@richardcommins4926]

Such a wonderful idea. Why are you not in high volume production with these dispensers? I am sure you would make a fortune selling these to prototype facilities and home hobbyists. Go to a plastics manufacturing facility and create a mold for your design. I want to buy about 100 each of the gray (red), black (white) and blue cases to start. I will also need about 10 of the bases. I would suggest a storage case for all the unused dispensers too. How about a storage case for resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors around 18"x18". I use lots of op-amps, rectifiers, crystals and IC's. Maybe a larger size (double width) to handle the bigger components. Every component supply catalog would carry and sell them. What is that pick and place vacuum tool you were using?

[@another1commenter770]

embed a GDEW0213T5 paper ink display into the top, then you dock it to change the labels display. you would need to make a dock station but as E-paper will keep its displayed picture until powered and refreshed it means the smd cartridge only needs a display module and no other components.

[@geekoid183]

It would be nice to see a version with a fully 3d printed compliant mechanism on the latching system instead of the more conventional screw + spring. Curious about the durability and the added benefit of easier manufacturing and assembly !

[@geekoid183]

Also for the label problem you could just drip a drop or two of cyanoacrylate glue. Maybe the bond strength is enough to compensate for the uneven surface. If not, go with the epoxy way. A little bit messy and overkill for one label at a time but really affective for sure. A nicer way would be a temporary bond so you can repurpose old trays. Maybe by adding a little 3d printed feature to the design for the label to slide in on the side of the tray ? So your not limiting the length of the label.

[@RobinsTools]

Fully agree with the compliant mechanism. I might give it a shot. In terms of labeling I already tried glueing a piece of stick type to the surface so the sticky tape itself is used as labeling surface. Did not look very nice to be honest.

[@nirodper]

@@RobinsTools I don't think pla is very appropriate for compliant mechanisms, maybe abs or something else

[@reaktoringhd]

Maybe use some foil and an soldering Iron for creating an Pocket for Standard Paper Strips....

[@curly_luke]

@@nirodper PETG would be pretty good for that

[@NicksStuff]

Two parts, plus a spring, plus a screw, that reminded me of these types of mechanisms: www.thingiverse.com/thing:3488009 Have you considered printing the whole thing (including the spring) in one part?

[@NicksStuff]

I spent a few more minutes searching the video demonstrating them, it's a great watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2jXaIuglM51rJI

[@RobinsTools]

I do remember watching that video. I might give compliant mechanisms a shot... :)

[@TheDeveloperGuy]

The idea is really 10/10, just one thing: why print a rail? May I modify it for DIN rail mount?

[@c1nema1]

Really nice idea :-). The thingiverse link is not working btw (404)

[@RobinsTools]

Thanks! Link should be fixed now.

[@JoelCreates]

This Is really exceptional, would have been incredibly useful at my old job. You might consider working out a deal with digikey for the design, I'm sure they would be very interested.

[@anothervoyager9654]

Instead of gluing the label, you could make a slot on top of the part and slide the labels inside it, I've done this with some 3d printed organizers and it's easy and fast.

[@PJElliot]

Loved the video, and will definitely make some to test. For the labeling I would stick the label to a piece of card and build two grooves into the print which it would hold the card. This would allow it to be changed more easily in the future.

[@abrahammagnifico9538]

i'm glad that i discovered you !, not like i need what you've just made, it's for the footage, it relax me ,seeing such materials and perfection at work satisfy me, Thanks

[@bytesizedengineering]

I LOVE this idea. I would like to make some. Thanks for sharing!

[@iosif4313]

Thank you for the quality video. I think it's great to see it. What is your job? I'm really curious. I'd like to do this kind of work later

[@RobinsTools]

I'm actually a full-stack software developer. But this video is mostly about mechanical engineering so you might want to get into that instead :)

[@3amali1]

I respect open source projects, but many companies will find this very useful so you and the person who had the original idea should have patented this! Anyway as this now out for the public it's worth adding to it. Probably making the whole thing with PLA as it is springy, so no need for external sprint. Love ur work

[@DavidWatts]

I kinda think trimming the component lead hair would be my favourite bit ;-) They look absolutely great and very useful, well done. The video was really interesting, the foam insert is a great idea.

[@mart-w]

I really hope you patented this design. I can absolutely see components being sold in dispensers like this.

[@MicroTypeEngineering]

Well they already are sold in things like this. Full reels, for use on pick and place machines. People buying cut tape parts is too small of a market to warrant something specific for them. Super cool implementation this is for sure!

[@lukaswasp8162]

You might have more luck masking off the sides and spraying the top with a filler primer. As the name suggests, its designed to fill in small gaps.

[@MrDexter9i3]

superglue the labels

[@cantsolvesudokus]

Hotglue the lable in place?

[@bar10005]

You could have used existing TH rails (like TH35) they are pretty cheap, as they are widely used in electrical industry, and you wouldn't have to print two parts, it would also make designing the clamping mechanism since you could copy one from existing accessories that go on to the TH rail.

[@BrianLough]

Cool video, thanks for sharing!

[@CyberAnalyzer]

Absolutely amazing! This video reminded me how much I love engineering! Thumbs up!

[@bobpospick1649]

Awesome design to a real problem! Thanks for sharing! This single part will be the reason to finally go out and buy a 3D printer. Can't wait to get started. But what printer to buy? What are you using?

[@johnuferbach9166]

i heard Ender 3 is cheap and ok for beginners

[@bobpospick1649]

@@johnuferbach9166 Thanks for the tip ... but just bought a Prusa Mk3 based on auto leveling, heated/flexible bed, and tech support. My first parts will be Robin's SMT cartridge. Can't wait!

[@kedarprabhudessai]

Brother you are awesome... Great great idea.. no one thought of this before so beautifully. Keep it up,👏👏 impressed. You are kind enough to share project files also 👍 ......thanks Btw you got a new subscriber just now 😃

[@beaconofwierd1883]

You could have skipped the screw and spring and just made it a compliant mechanism instead :) less work once printed and cheaper.

[@LordPhobos6502]

If you sold these online, people WILL buy them. Not everyone has a 3D printer, but these are GREAT!

[@certified-forklifter]

good idea buddy

[@RichardRParsons]

You may want to try running a flame over the surface of the PLA for just a few seconds. Heat-Initiated chemical functionalization of plastics is often used by industry for things like writing date codes on HDPE milk jugs and the like.

[@iWalkChris]

What a clever way to keep the most commonly used components at your fingertips for hand assembly binning or kitting of parts. Not as big and bulky as an SMD reel, yet din mountable for control on your bench top. Well done!

[@e74av]

Could you give ti some original unique name so that people can easily find it... I would also appreciate if there was an option so that the paper/plastic/bottom part of the tape goes away easily. I need to do PCBA sometimes of 20-50 prototypes and i often need something like this. It's especially hard if the number of unique components is bigger than 20

[@lidarman2]

I gasped when you used those calipers as a scribe...even though they are Harbor Freight. And did you try the belt sander to smooth the surface?

[@TheVivaLatrina]

A hot clothing iron and wax paper would probably leave a pretty nice surface

[@Science3D]

I am an electronic maker but I used to work with Arduino boards .. now, I would like to start in the SMD World and it would interesting id getting some advice on the size of strip components... like a starter kit for SMD ?

[@edgarwideman737]

They might not be for everyone. But 100% for me. THANKYOU!

[@polmenya2040]

Try primer. Everything but PLA sticks mediocre to PLA. (In fact even PLA sticks mediocre to PLA sometimes). If you want to keep using this material and get rid of this property, try primer.

[@startobytes]

And now i have like 5 or 6 bags of 100x 10k Ohm resistors cause i forgot i already had them. Lol

[@awesomecronk7183]

I wonder if you couldn't add an LED + photo sensor to count how many components are used... Brilliant design!

[@ADWU1990]

Superb work and great video ! Thanks Robin ! Which vacuum tweezers are u using ?

[@Manche-De-Pelle]

Such an amazing idea. I only own like 10 sample of each, so it won't be useful for me now but if someday I do a big project, I'll know where to.look

[@ameliabuns4058]

0:49 what software are you using? omg that looks fantastic, it's a nightmare with kicad

[@MG-hf1mo]

Not sure what the clear coating is made of. I usually use a two component epoxy resin to smoothen prints. You can also add color pigments to match the color of the filament. I currently use a combination of reels (common parts like 0, 100, 10k, 100n, etc) and sample books for other values. I may give your SMD organizers a try.

[@AlexFlockhart]

Instead of having to manufacture a proprietary base, couldn't the design be adjusted to clamp on to a DIN rail?

[@sprinkhole58]

to smooth PLA - you could use a heat gun.

[@mrkv4k]

Or a heated up spatchela.

[@Abossow77]

Have you tried to make the clamp without the spring? As in use the plastic's flexibility as the spring? Sure, it would be a little less durable, but it would make the initial assembly much easier (also its harder for me to source so many little springs hehe) Edit: oh shit just saw the updates.... NICE!

[@GeertGoossens]

The dymo you use looks like "paper labels" using regular dymo tape... if you buy a dymo rhino (industrial use) it comes with tape called "vinyl tape" which sticks on things like cables, wires and other surfaces. Might help if you use the right kind of tape perhaps?

[@suisse0a0]

Nice idea! I don't know if it could be a working idea but you could loop the output tape back in the case (to the bottom) so you don't have to cut the tape nor having the tape laying around? EDIT: Didn't think on the "upper" part (where you pull) :/ maybe something similar but to the top/behind with a huge cap so you can still pull it?

[@rmatveev]

What a briliant job have you done!!! What do you think - is it possible to print the magazin with a clip in a single piece? The plastic flexibility would work as a spring...

[@roystevens4333]

Great idea. Does anyone know how many standard 0803 components you can squeeze into one of these? I pick and place by hand, but typically buy in full reels.

[@75thibaut]

Hey ! Nice video, you've earned a new sub ;) What is the software you're using at 0:49 BTW ?

[@gromain]

Hey, late to the party, but I had the same question! It looks like it's this github.com/openscopeproject/InteractiveHtmlBom . Generates interactive data from Kicad data!

[@75thibaut]

@@gromain Oh I totally forgot this message :') Yup I ended up finding it after some extensive research (thanks Hackaday), but thanks anyway ! Tough I haven't got the time to try it, it looks like a cool bit of code to play with

[@spexpl]

Wouldn't it be better to use a DIN rail - used, for example, for the mounting of circuit breakers in the EU?

[@arc2980]

The fusion 360 project link only links to the rail. It would be great if you could update that link. Thanks!

[@bryanvarner7398]

Use a PVA Glue Stick on the plastic before applying the label.

[@adamarzo559]

I am watching this video 2 years after I printed these off, not sure why lol, but I had no issue sticking my labels onto them. I've got 8 on my desk right now that have both their labels on them and as I try to peel 1 off it is still very sticky. Maybe your labels had adhesion issue? i don't know but i am using blumax brand labels and they work perfectly.

[@Vetrax]

I would like to warn you that using 3D printed materials is a big risk for ESD-damage to your components. The pulling motion makes it even worse. I do think it is a great idea but please use a special ESD-coating before you put components in there or you'll be trying to figure out whats wrong with your design for weeks. Just a tip from a dutch electronics engineer 😉

[@aneb2002]

Instead of using a spring and a screw, did you consider using a live hinge? There are plenty of examples of such designs, they're quite strong and more than adequate for your purpose, it'd make the print all-in-one no assembly required. Also, no super good reason you couldn't print the label by embossing it into the part too, though to make it practical you'd want to parameterize it in something programmable like openscad to make producing them convenient.

[@zbigniewlipinski2963]

Ingenious ideas seem simple and obvious - but not until someone stumbles upon them. Here not only the idea but also the implementation is perfect. As an R&D engineer dealing all the time with non-production quantities of SMD elements I would love to have them organized in such nice dispensers but nothing like that seems to be commercially available. Maybe you would want to consider filling that niche on the market, maybe together with some plastic processing company.

[@Vitalka_project]

Step one: you need buy 3D printer for 100500$ Step two: learn 3D modeling Step three: make this fuckin magazines Step four: ... profit

[@johnuferbach9166]

* a printer thats regarded good for beginners is like 200$ also you can just print his files...

[@zelimirfedoran9720]

You've got access to a lot of really nice tools, I'm a bit jealous! I expect to see many more videos involving PCBs, 3d prints, and steal fabrication. Subbed.

[@JasonTRogers]

I want to get into board making but I have no idea where to start. Do you have a video that could help someone like me?

[@joeles69]

after looking at this i have 3 comments, using a Din-Rail would make for less 3d printed parts, and you can bolt it to the bench or print legs for it, the second comment, remove the need for spring and nut to hold it in place to reduce the BOM costs, 3rd comment add a small guide to stop the strip winding out. I love the ideas you have here... subscribed!

[@Pops180]

Double sided servo tape. That will stick to anything

[@djwilliams4714]

Just curious, the board that you were making; what is it??

[@grzegorzkolbrecki8344]

I had made similar boxes from CD cake boxes. Cheap, nothing fall outside, you can write on them with marker and they stack on each other. Just cut a notch on the side of cake box and it's done ;)

[@marcosiccardi7956]

Great work; couldn't you just heat the pla and "iron" the surface with a plane tool to improve the labels adhesion?

[@fog152]

Great work! but let me tell you something that is quite disturbing for me. The components / plastic parts shouldn't be left in the open air. not only bad for the components, it also leaves a smell after a while. leave your plastic bags with components for half a year or more in the open air and you will see that. The dust particles form with the humidity a layer of stinky bacteria on the surface of the bags. So, I recommend putting the entire thing in a box, something that may have a transparent openable lead. That would be amazing

[@franzhagemuller6413]

I think your label problem ist due to using Dymo labels. I had Brother labels on my smd holder for years and no one got loose. I already have seen, that the Dymo are much inferior in terms of adhesion because in my old school much was labeled with them. Now they switched to Brother and everything sticks as i've heard so far...

[@KtarraMoon]

If you have a two head printer, you could print the label directly into the magazine. Of course, doing it that way may be too difficult.

[@paulp6752]

That's some really clean work man! These custom PCBs also look pro - do you manufacture them yourself or you design and send to one of these overseas PCB companies?

[@diopappa]

Very nice way to store efficiently components! I am a novice at assembling pcbs at home. Which is your setup and which equipment do you use for it?

[@michael_anton]

A technique I use to clean up the sanding marks on PLA, is to flame polish the surface with a torch. I have a small butane torch that works well for this. The trick is that you have do to it very quickly, and not heat the PLA up too much, or it will deform. A number of lighter passes, with time to cool off in between them seems to work well.

[@OFICINATERAPIA]

Great job! Awesome!

[@neo_smith]

注意高溫 ，看起來是made in china 的3D 打印機

[@Neslekkim]

Which labels did you use on the prints, since they didn't stick?, I have used Brother TZe tapes without problems where so far, but not on these prints. Need to print some and test.

[@comeradecoyote]

I would have left two notches about the diameter of a medium weight card stock and just tucked both ends in. Or used a slot the width of the label so it just slides in. Otherwise interesting idea, though perhaps it’s worth re evaluating the design for stack ability, and for reel mount pick and place tapes and tubes.

[@mundhiral-kiyumi8300]

Where to buy those SMD components any good supplier

[@puffinjuice]

Nice! Why dont you make slide in labels? I doubt you're going to have a cassette for each reseistor value you have, so easily exchangeable labels would be better

[@michaelreynolds9055]

try ironing the last layer in the gcode this will smooth out the top layer. Ironing on a 3d printer is Ironing basically just runs the nozzle across the surface after printing, with no extrusion, using a smaller line width so it does more passes, literally melting the top flat. A rounded surface is made up of multiple layers, and the nozzle can't go back down to iron it

[@goom1001]

A small layer of cheap 2 part epoxy will do the trick. Nice desine that will help a lot of ppl in SMD PCBs

[@thebrakshow7415]

This is so cool! What vacuum pen are you using? Would you recommend it?