Generally speaking, SMD components only really need to be glued down
for wave soldering.
I recommend that you look into using solder paste and a reflow process
(hotplate, ofen, hot air), you will find it superior and faster than
manual soldering with an iron, and the components will usually align
very well.
If you still want to glue them down, maybe you can find professional
SMD glue, sometimes small quantities are sold in a syringe. I've seen
it on Ebay shipping worldwide from china if there is no local source.
Which leads to the next suggestion, buy or build a pneumatic
dispenser. With this (and a suitable blunt needle on the syringe) you
can make very nice consistent glue dots on your board, it is also very
fast. You can use the same system to dispense solder paste.
ST
On Thu, Jul 30, 2009 at 6:15 PM, bob_ledoux<bobledoux@...> wrote:
> I'm looking for an adhesive for mounting SMT components, especially caps and resistors, on hobby circuit boards.
>
> In the past I've used silicone caulking applied with a tooth pick. But some of my small components make it difficult to apply adhesive without compromising the cleanliness of the solder pads.
>
> Are there other adhesive options?
>
> I remember one builder who would spray the board with lacquer and just mount components by soldering right through the finish. I suppose wet lacquer would make a good adhesive, though it dries quickly. I don't know if lacquer would contaminate the solder joint.
>
> I've also used the standard "tin one pad then solder component end" process. I use a "Blu-Stick" type clay called "All Stick" on the tip of a tooth pick. It works but my components don't always end up with precise alignment.
>