what machines are available for winding SMPS transformers?

[midnightvisions]

Hey Guys

I'm looking to see what's available in machines that wind SMPS transformers.

I'm looking at the TDK PQ series of bobbins.  I've contacted TDk numerous times trying to find out what machines wind the coils, but they just won't respond for love or money.

I've contacted Digi-Key, Mouser and a few other sales reps and they don't have a clue either.

Am I asking about forbidden technology?

I'm looking for a small machines that will wind one coil one at a time?  Does that exist?

cheers.

[Psi]

maybe look on aliexpress/alibaba.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003657531207.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32996293440.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002566824164.html

When searching for a winder you probably wont get anywhere searching for the make/model of bobbin you want to wind.
Normally the machine is quite universal and you simply set it up for the specific bobbin you want to wind.
Sometimes that is easy with the parts included with the machine, other times you might need to create a custom part to hold that bobbin in the right location.

[Hawaka]

For such core you would normally use coil former. You wind on the coil former, then mount the core.

I have used in the past a vintage Meteor winding machine. It’s basically a lathe with a turn counter. For one off or low serie you can probably DIY something pretty easily.

In between winding a few turn of isolated tape does the trick.

[HighVoltage]

+1 for the older Meteor. (Swiss made)
They last forever and the price is reasonable on the used market.

[5U4GB]

I have used in the past a vintage Meteor winding machine. It’s basically a lathe with a turn counter. For one off or low serie you can probably DIY something pretty easily.

In particular the OP probably doesn't want to buy a $1,000 automated coil winder to put wire onto a 50-cent bobbin.  If it's a one-off or very small run for which the primary goal is to do it with the least expense, look for fishing-line winders or you can DIY it like I did when I needed to wind some ferrites, get some pillow block bearings and a car window handle off Aliexpress, screw them onto a base, attach whatever you're winding the wire onto between the bearings and wind away.  You have to count the turns by hand but either it's a small number of turns and easy enough to count or it's a large number of turns and being off by one isn't a big deal.  Total cost was about ten dollars.

It's a great thing to do while you're calling your mom... 127, 128, 129, yeah, 130, 131, 132, uh-huh, 133, 134, 135, no, I'm still listening, 136, 137, 138...

[Psi]

I have used in the past a vintage Meteor winding machine. It’s basically a lathe with a turn counter. For one off or low serie you can probably DIY something pretty easily.

In particular the OP probably doesn't want to buy a $1,000 automated coil winder to put wire onto a 50-cent bobbin.  If it's a one-off or very small run for which the primary goal is to do it with the least expense, look for fishing-line winders or you can DIY it like I did when I needed to wind some ferrites, get some pillow block bearings and a car window handle off Aliexpress, screw them onto a base, attach whatever you're winding the wire onto between the bearings and wind away.  You have to count the turns by hand but either it's a small number of turns and easy enough to count or it's a large number of turns and being off by one isn't a big deal.  Total cost was about ten dollars.

It's a great thing to do while you're calling your mom... 127, 128, 129, yeah, 130, 131, 132, uh-huh, 133, 134, 135, no, I'm still listening, 136, 137, 138...

Did you see my 2nd link?

[5U4GB]

Did you see my 2nd link?

Yup.  Did you see the shipping cost for that, which is where they're hiding the true price.

[midnightvisions]

Thanks gang