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pcb-tips [2021/01/13 22:35] – benh | pcb-tips [2021/01/21 09:37] – benh | ||
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==== Miscellaneous processing tips! ==== | ==== Miscellaneous processing tips! ==== | ||
+ | //So you made a few boards. Or not! Either way, this is a running list of tips and tricks for users - things to do and things to avoid. We make no guarantee with any of these, but we have found that they' | ||
- | Some additional notes on board design and fabrication: | ||
- | * Slots are hard in this process. Please consider using a single drill hit that’s wide enough if possible. If it’s unavoidable, | ||
* Plating is typically avoidable by making vias with a diameter of 40 mil (1 mm). A standard 0.1” header pin can then be pushed through and soldered on both the top and bottom. | * Plating is typically avoidable by making vias with a diameter of 40 mil (1 mm). A standard 0.1” header pin can then be pushed through and soldered on both the top and bottom. | ||
- | * Higher polygon isolation will reduce the chance of bridging to a plane during assembly (since we don’t really offer soldermask). However, it will also increase etch time. | + | * Higher polygon isolation will reduce the chance of bridging to a plane during assembly (since we don’t really offer soldermask). However, it will also increase etch time because more of the substrate will be etched. " |
- | + | * Slots! We can do them! There are probably | |
- | ProtoMat: | + | * If you're interested in optimizing your ProtoLaser experience, see the [[https:// |
- | * Use the “ProtoLaser – ProtoMat – Double Sided – NoTHP” template | + | |
- | * Orient all your boards *before* creating any fiducials. | + | |
- | * 4 fiducials – always. | + | |
- | * Do not forget to save before the toolpath! | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ProtoLaser: | + | |
- | * Sometimes, when placing the board, the fiducials move in the opposite direction as the board. This is a known bug! You can either: try estimating the location of the fiducials and starting the process; start a new document; restart | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Electroplater: | + | |
- | * Clean with IPA and a TexWipe before beginning processing. | + | |
- | * If you would like to adjust the plating time, ask a PI to put you in touch with an MPI. | + | |
- | * Do not let your substrate sit in the bath (any bath) for very long after the timer runs out. | + | |
- | * If the machine throws an error on startup, it’s likely | + | |
- | * After bath 3 (activator): | + | |
- | * Swipe a “reasonable” amount off with squeegee (mostly just don’t want it dripping) | + | |
- | * Dry for 20+ mins at 150F. (Higher than this can cause the ink to bake into the copper.) | + | |
- | * When rinsing after drying | + | |
- | * Bath 5: | + | |
- | * If the current drops to zero or is very low (<10A reverse): | + | |
- | * First attempt | + | |
- | * If that doesn’t work, you may need to sand down the PCB holder’s pegs that hold the substrate to the holder | + | |
- | * Don’t forget | + | |
- | * After final bath, dry for 20+ minutes in the oven. *** Place a towel underneath the board to prevent reactions between the oven shelf and the copper layers *** | + | |
+ | [[pcb-book-of-kane|The Book of Kane]] |