Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- start [2023/10/17 14:46] – [Laser Cutting] stevs_77
+++ start [2024/04/29 14:48] (current) – [PCB Fabrication] benh
@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 {{:laser_cutter.jpg?nolink&400 |}}We have two laser cutters made by Universal Laser Systems Inc., which are located in the production studio on the first floor of the IDC. You can see them through the outside windows at the IDC's ground entrance. Our laser cutters can cut and engrave a variety of materials, including wood, acrylic, paper, cardboard, and in some cases, metal. If you would like to learn how to use the laser cutter, ask a PI to show you. If you already know how to use the laser cutter, stop by the IDC during open hours to use it. Remember that it may be different than the one you're used to, so don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
-Recently, we have acquired a new laser cutter called the Fablight 4500. This laser cutter is a noncontinuous fiber laser capable of cutting through quarter inch steel very quickly. It was obtained to replace the plasma cutter. The cuts are cleaner and can also engrave various metals such as mild/stainless steel, anodized/not anodized aluminum, brass, and copper. The laser cutter is very easy to use and instructions can be found [[fablight place holder|here]].
+Recently, we have acquired a new laser cutter called the Fablight 4500. This laser cutter is a noncontinuous fiber laser capable of cutting through quarter inch steel very quickly. It was obtained to replace the plasma cutter. The cuts are cleaner and can also engrave various metals such as mild/stainless steel, anodized/not anodized aluminum, brass, and copper. The fiber laser cutter is very easy to use and instructions and more information can be found here: [[Fablight|Fablight Page]].
 We have a couple pages of information for you to browse if you need it. These documents are written as if the person reading it is a Peer Instructor, but that in no way means that only Peer Instructors can browse it (:
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 ==== PCB Fabrication ====
-** Fall 2023 updates: **
+** The electroplater is no longer officially supported by The Hive. ** It still exists, and you can still use it (after the training sequence), but we can't guarantee quality to our standards as longer, given the maintenance requirements and the user base. To make vias in our no-plating process, make any vias as 1mm-diameter holes (excluding the annular ring), and then solder in a standard header pin.
-  * **//We are no longer requiring training for the ProtoMat or ProtoLaser.//** A detailed guidebook for how to fabricate PCBs using the two tools is located at the ProtoMat. Stencil fabrication information can be found in the guidebook at the ProtoLaser.
-  * ** Training is still required for the electroplater!** Training details can be found on the "[[pcb-training|PCB Training]]" page.
-  * If you haven't fabbed in a while, there is an updated naming scheme for the ProtoLaser materials. See the "[[pcb-help_pl|The LPKF ProtoLaser U4]]" page for details.
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   * [[pcb-help_pm|The LPKF ProtoMat S103]] - a 2.5-dimensional plotter that drills and mills (cuts) PCB substrates, plastics, and soft metals
   * [[pcb-help_pl|The LPKF ProtoLaser U4]] - a 20um-diameter laser to etch (selectively remove) a wide variety of film/substrate pairings
-  * [[pcb-help_ep|The LPKF Contac S4]] - a semi-automatic galvanic electroplater for via formation and other copper/tin plating needs. ** The electroplater is up and functioning.**
+  * [[pcb-help_ep|The LPKF Contac S4]] - a semi-automatic galvanic electroplater for via formation and other copper/tin plating needs. ** The electroplater works, but the quality is no longer guaranteed by The Hive, and we are actively suggesting that students look for alternative options, such as 1mm through-holes or no-via designs.**
-We also can [[process_stencils|cut stencils]], and assemble boards with a [[process_reflowoven|reflow oven]]. We also have a few unsupported capabilities, including applying [[https://www.lpkfusa.com/datasheets/prototyping/promask.pdf|soldermask]] and [[https://www.lpkfusa.com/datasheets/prototyping/prolegend.pdf|silkscreen]], a less-complicated [[https://wiki.hive.ece.gatech.edu/doku.php?id=process_kaptonmask|psuedo-masking process]], as well as a [[https://www.lpkfusa.com/datasheets/prototyping/ProConduct_Specs.pdf|chemical-free electroplating]] process, but again, your mileage may vary with these. Head to our [[pcb-fab|PCB fabrication]] page for more details.
+We also can [[process_stencils|cut stencils]] from polyamide or PET sheets (for stainless, see the laser cutting area), and assemble boards with a [[process_reflowoven|reflow oven]]. We also have a few unsupported capabilities, including applying [[https://www.lpkfusa.com/datasheets/prototyping/promask.pdf|soldermask]] and [[https://www.lpkfusa.com/datasheets/prototyping/prolegend.pdf|silkscreen]], a less-complicated [[https://wiki.hive.ece.gatech.edu/doku.php?id=process_kaptonmask|psuedo-masking process]], as well as a [[https://www.lpkfusa.com/datasheets/prototyping/ProConduct_Specs.pdf|chemical-free electroplating]] process, but again, your mileage may vary with these. Head to our [[pcb-fab|PCB fabrication]] page for more details.
 The Hive provides double-sided copper on FR4 in 0.5 oz/ft^2 (18 um) and 1 oz/ft^2 (35 um) weights to our users at no cost, though many other substrates can be used.
+**//We are no longer requiring training for the ProtoMat or ProtoLaser.//** A detailed guidebook for how to fabricate PCBs using the two tools is located at the ProtoMat. Stencil fabrication information can be found in the guidebook at the ProtoLaser.
 Our DRC file: [[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YITdTXkcW3ROWZprw-xxPsB8okc73yqF|DRC]]\\