Pixel Pump 2 is an open source system designed to give you a complete workflow for PCB hand assembly. A compact vacuum pump, intuitive desktop software for project and inventory management, and modular SMD component magazines work together as one seamless ecosystem, ideal for individuals and professionals alike. Compatibility with surface mount components all the way to down to 0402 size is standard, as each Pixel Pump includes five vacuum nozzles.

Whether you’re assembling a few prototypes or making a small production run of boards, Pixel Pump 2 helps you pick and place like never before.

Assemble and Iterate Faster Than Ever

The Pixel Pump 2 is built for rapid prototyping and small-batch production.
When it’s time for assembly, the companion desktop software becomes your project hub. It stores your PCB projects and displays a visual placement view showing exactly where each component belongs. It also manages your component inventory, tracking quantities, storage locations, and even calculating how many boards can be built with the parts you have on hand.

Once a project is loaded, you can start placing components right away. Each press of the Next button on the Pixel Pump - or a tap on the secondary foot pedal - advances to the next component in the sequence, keeping your workflow organized and consistent.

The SMD component magazines complete the system by providing a modular, physical storage solution that maps directly on to the software. Each magazine neatly holds and dispenses component tapes while staying mapped to its digital inventory entry. This makes it easy to find, use, and restock parts - connecting your workbench to your data in one coherent workflow. Every pack of magazines comes with a label sheet. Simply write on it, peel it, and stick it to the magazines. No more guessing or digging through tape strips or spreadsheets.

Pixel Pump 2 incorporates extensive user feedback from the first generation model. We’re introducing a number of meaningful improvements, including switching to USB Type-C for power (allowing for mobile use with a power bank), an improved and smaller enclosure with a brand-new interface, and new desktop companion software.

Features & Specifications

Controls & Interfaces

• Tactile silicone buttons and a multifunction rotary dial
• RGB ring light integrated into the rotary dial for state indication
• Supports up to two foot pedals (secondary foot pedal is an optional accessory)
  • Primary pedal: trigger vacuum
  • Secondary pedal: advance to next component in software or trigger advanced functions
• Two USB Type-C ports
  • One for data + power
  • One for power (USB-PD compatible)
  • Allows single-cable operation or a separate USB Type-C PD supply for older PCs
  • Enables portable operation via power banks
• Dimensions: 70 x 100 x 40 mm (2.75 x 3.93 x 1.57 in, W x L x H)
• Weight: ~130 g (4.6 oz)

Mechanical & Vacuum System

• Comfortable pen that holds different vacuum needles
• Heat-resistant and highly flexible silicone hose connecting the pen and the Pixel Pump
• Strong vacuum that allows for picking very small and large components
• Vacuum relief valve for quick depressurization so the part falls down immediately
• Includes a full set of vacuum nozzles covering all common SMD package sizes

Software

• Custom desktop software for project management, visual placement guidance, and deep inventory tracking used in conjunction with SMD component magazines
• Full remote control from the Pixel Pump itself—no need to touch keyboard or mouse
• Open source firmware and software for those who want to customize or extend functionality

Open Source

The Pixel Pump 2 ecosystem (including the SMD Magazines, Rail, and Foot Pedal) is open-source. Pixel Pump 2’s electronics (Kicad project), software (MicroPython) and all STEP files of the Pixel Pump 3D printed parts will be released to the public as soon as backer units are delivered after the campaign.

Our desktop companion software will also be made available to anyone under an open-source license. Written in nativePHP (with Laravel, Vue, Tailwind, Electron, and Nodejs,), we hope to make this available across platforms so that anyone can make use of its features.

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