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Through Hole Component Support as soldering
722 1 Nov 08.2019, 17:44:38

In our assembly line, we tend to have to solder a few through hole components (mostly connectors) on every board.  Today, we use the same methods one would use to assemble a kit - basically insert the shortest component, flip the board, solder into place, repeat with the next shortest component, and on and on.   This process tends to be slow.
We'd like to move to a process where we can insert all the components, then flip the entire board.   This should permit splitting of the insertion and the soldering tasks, improving takt time, etc.  It will also enable the addition of a soldering robot into the line at some point (instead of a very expensive to buy and run selective soldering machine).
Long ago, back in the days before surface mount was prevalent, there seemed to be lots of tools to permit an entire board of hand inserted, unsoldered components to be flipped over for soldering.   The simplest one was a board with foam on it which you put over the circuit board, held tightly and flipped.   This worked ok but wasn't even close to perfect.  Others were more sophisticated.   Unfortunately either these products are completely extinct or perhaps just as likely I just haven't hit on the magic google incantation to make them appear in my search window for further perusal.    I specifically remember one which was a quickly adjustable and lockable bed of nails.
My fallback position is to 3d print a jig for every board for support.   I'd rather not do this just because of the time involved.  I'd rather find something quick and easy which works.
Anyone know what I should be searching for?

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A****min

Nov 15.2019, 18:09:07

Better if the parts hold themselves. If you can tweak the holes to be tighter, you might not need to mess with jigs. 
Personally, I think plain open cell foam is going to be faster and easier and more effective than a rigid mold. With a sharp knife or a foam cutter and some wood glue, you can quickly build up or remove areas where needed, and you don't have to be exact. 
Another option is perhaps some kind of goo. Like the white stuff they used to put around caps and whatnot. So when you stick the parts in, they stay?

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