Modular Soldering Workstation (80/20 10-Series + MultiBoard Ecosystem)

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2026-07-13 | By Aaron Rollens

License: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3D Printing Test Leads 3D Printer Desoldering Hand Tools Multimeter Pliers / Tweezers Screwdrivers / Bits Solder Solder / Desoldering Wire Third Hand / Vises 3D Print Accessories

Solder Station

Engineering Design & Overview

The Modular Soldering Workstation is a highly rigid, benchtop workspace engineered to streamline electronics assembly, prototyping, and rework operations. By combining the structural integrity of fractional industrial framing with consumer-accessible additive manufacturing.

The workstation’s backbone relies on 1" x 1" fractional 10-Series 80/20 T-slotted aluminum extrusions. This framework directly integrates with a custom-adapted MultiBoard/MultiBuil d 8x8 grid ecosystem. Rather than relying on static, single-purpose commercial tool stands, this design provides an infinitely reconfigurable vertical and horizontal mounting canvas. Every single tool holder, equipment cradle, and safety shroud can be adjusted or completely swapped out as your laboratory workflow evolves.

Key Features & Sub-Assembly Design

1. Rigid Structural Framework The 80/20 10-Series extrusion profiles handle the heavy mechanical loads of the system. The frame is securely tied together using robust 3D-printed double leg supports and structural corner brackets, mitigating frame twist and ensuring a completely squared workspace capable of holding diagnostic equipment.

2. MultiBoard Modular Grid Integration The workstation integrates an 8x8 MultiBoard grid directly into the framing. Custom-engineered interlocking dual clips, blank standard snaps, and spacers permit rapid, secure mounting of specialized bins and accessories without needing to slide new hardware into the extrusion tracks after final assembly.

3. Integrated Air Filtration & Safety Geometry The central frame is designed to act as an active environmental safety system. It includes 3D prints for a dedicated fume extractor setup:

Fan Covers & Guards: Front and rear finger guards optimized for unimpeded static pressure airflow while maintaining user safety.
Control Hardware: Integrated custom enclosures for dedicated fan toggle switches (FanSwitchV3), built directly into the structural mounting blocks.

4. Custom Electronic Tooling Cradles A wide array of precision tool holders have been designed to securely cradle specific laboratory gear, preventing benchtop clutter and component damage:

Soldering Pen Protection: A custom-molded, dual-part sleeve assembly (Sleeve A and B) designed specifically to securely capture and adapt the protective silicone cap from the iFixit FixKit soldering pen.
Solder/Wick Management: An integrated, low-friction dual-spool assembly featuring specialized inside and outside spindles alongside a dedicated bracket system for effortless solder and desoldering wick deployment.
Diagnostic Equipment Cradles: Secure, form-fitting mounts for digital multimeters, test probes, flush cutters/pliers, precision tweezers, flux pens, and an iFixit Moray kit.

Hardware Breakdown

To eliminate expensive proprietary T-nuts, this project introduces a 3D-printed "Slide Nut" system. These custom pieces are designed to press-fit standard, cost-effective #8-32 hex nuts. Once inserted, they slide seamlessly inside the 10-Series extrusion channels, providing professional-grade clamping force at a fraction of the cost.

#8-32 x 3/4" Pan Head Screws: 11 required (primarily for heavy structural joints).
#8-32 x 1/2" Pan Head Screws: 96 required (standard for all modular tool plates and grid mounts).
#8-32 x 3/8" Pan Head Screws: 20 required.
#8-32 Stainless Steel Hex Nuts: 127 required (for insertion into 3D-printed slide nuts).

3D Printing Production Notes

Slide Nuts: Print in batches of 50+. It is highly recommended to utilize a 2-3 layer raft underneath these small components to maximize bed adhesion and prevent an isolated corner warp from ruining a large print batch.
Material Selection: For structural elements (Leg Supports, Corner Brackets) and elements proximal to the soldering iron (Sleeves, Solder Spools), high-temperature materials such as PETG, ABS, or ASA would be nice over standard PLA to resist ambient workspace heat and physical stress, but I did use PLA when this was showcased at the First Robotics Championship. The soldering Iron was on most of each of the days, and the material held up just fine. Use a minimum of 3-4 walls with 25%+ infill for all load-bearing brackets.

Step-by-Step Mechanical Assembly Strategy

Step 1: Hardware Preparation Begin by press-fitting the 127 hex nuts into your 3D-printed slide nuts using a small screwdriver or arbor press. Thread a 1/2" screw into each slightly. Drop the slide nuts into their approximate locations along the extrusion channels before joining framing components. Leave all fasteners slightly loose; final torque should only be applied at the appropriate time stated in the assembly guide.

Step 2: Sub-Assembly Construction

Leg Assemblies: Construct the left and right mirror-image leg frames using the 200mm and 300mm extrusion profiles, securing them with the interlocking Double Leg Supports and Corner Brackets.
Soldering Iron Shroud: Insert the silicone protective cap from your iFixit soldering pen into the printed Sleeve A/B housing, clamping it tightly together using two 3/4" machine screws, then affix it directly to the right leg profile.

Step 3: Frame Unification & Grid Installation Connect the left and right leg sub-assemblies to the main 600mm horizontal cross-beams. Use a machinist's square to ensure the assembly forms perfect 90-degree corners before tightening down the hardware. Once rigid, populate the board with your desired tool holders, then attach the (8x8)x3 MultiBoard grid into place using the Spacers and slide nuts.

Complete Design Files & Forum Threads

For the full, uncompressed CAD files, deep community troubleshooting threads, and highly granular documentation updates, please refer to the main project logs on the DigiKey TechForum:

Download 3D Models & High-Fidelity STEP Files: https://forum.digikey.com/t/modular-soldering-workstation-80-20-multiboard-multibuild-3d-model-downloads/70331
Full Interactive Bill of Materials & Part Sourcing Guide: https://forum.digikey.com/t/modular-soldering-workstation-80-20-multiboard-multibuild-product-purchases/69904
Detailed Community Assembly Guide & Build Photos: https://forum.digikey.com/t/modular-soldering-workstation-80-20-multiboard-multibuild-assembly-guide/70332

For those who build this:

Please provide photos and stories regarding your experience on our TechForum!

Note: This version of the Solder Station is the newest, but we do have versions available at these locations as well.

Printables: https://www.printables.com/model/1698173-modular-soldering-workstation-8020-multiboardmulti
Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7340214