Reflow Soldering: Make a Name Tag Class

Light Up Your Name: Intro to Surface-Mount Soldering with a Reflow Oven

Ever wondered how the tiny components on modern circuit boards get there? In this hands-on class, you’ll build your own LED nametag while learning the same surface-mount assembly techniques used in professional electronics manufacturing.

You’ll start with a bare circuit board and learn to apply solder paste, place tiny surface-mount components (LEDs, resistors, and more) with tweezers, and send your board through a reflow oven, where the paste melts and every joint is soldered at once. Along the way, we’ll cover how solder paste works, what happens during a reflow temperature profile, and how to inspect your finished board and fix common problems like bridges or tombstoned parts.

By the end of class, you’ll walk away with a working, glowing nametag and the confidence to take on your own surface-mount projects.

What you’ll learn:

• How surface-mount parts differ from through-hole components

• Applying solder paste with a stencil

• Placing and orienting small components (including LED polarity)

• Using a reflow oven and understanding reflow profiles

• Inspecting and touching up solder joints

This class counts as tool training for the Reflow Oven, but they must complete yellow shop training before using the equipment unsupervised.

This class is suitable for Beginner, and is recommended for ages 15+, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Basic soldering and electronics familiarity will help but is not required.

 All materials, taxes, and fees are covered in the class price of $35. The discounted rate for MAKE Roanoke Members is $25. MAKE Roanoke members can also bring a guest at the discounted rate. Learn more about MAKE Roanoke membership at https://mkroa.org/membership.

Please note that MAKE Roanoke is an active workshop:

• All participants must have a signed waiver on file. If the participant is a minor, the waiver must be signed by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian. Waivers can be filled out ahead of time at https://mkroa.org/waiver

• Children who are not participating in the event are not permitted in the space. 

• Closed toed shoes are required in the space at all times by everyone, regardless of age or participation in an event. No sandals, crocs, or bare feet.

• You may be asked to remove or tuck in dangling jewelry, lanyards, etc for safety.

• Depending on the activity, other dress code rules may apply.

Refund Policy

• Tickets are fully refundable with at least 48 hour notice from the class start time.

• Tickets can be transferred to other people assuming they meet the criteria (i.e. a member ticket can only be transferred to another MAKE Roanoke member).

• If MAKE Roanoke has to cancel the class for any reason, refunds will be issued automatically.

• If MAKE Roanoke has to reschedule the class for any reason, refunds will be offered to anyone who wishes, regardless of the 48 hour notice.

• Request a refund by contacting @board on Discord or emailing board@makeroanoke.