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process_2s-plate [2021/01/14 16:02] – benh | process_2s-plate [2022/09/07 15:18] (current) – benh | ||
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This is for PCBs with traces and/or components on both sides of the board, and a need to electroplate the board (most commonly, for vias). | This is for PCBs with traces and/or components on both sides of the board, and a need to electroplate the board (most commonly, for vias). | ||
- | **Be sure you actually NEED to electroplate before starting this!** The plating process can take in excess | + | Note that as of Fall 2022, the electroplater |
- | Before | + | **Be sure you actually NEED to electroplate before |
- | | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | * [[https:// | + | |
- | Step 1: [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1z67U7quFQ2fclWWpJhwjuKuP1tThYhn1iTQfWKsAJ7Q/edit?usp=sharing|Process setup and first drilling on the ProtoMat]] | + | **Before starting, make sure:** |
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * [[https:// | ||
+ | * Turn on the electroplater and let it warm up. Bath 1 needs to heat to 55C, which can take up to an hour, and which it will do in the background while the tool is not being used. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **Step 1:** [[https://gtvault.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/HiveMakerspace/EVU4FeAXtdBLmLRg28Gp1XkBkJj_OcnjsgNE_SWZ_LaIYg?e=r7f7YP|Process setup and first drilling on the ProtoMat]] | ||
* The ProtoMat will pause at a step called " | * The ProtoMat will pause at a step called " | ||
- | * Once it reaches that point, remove the substrate from the ProtoMat and click " | + | * Once it reaches that point, remove the substrate from the ProtoMat and click " |
* Continue with Step 2. | * Continue with Step 2. | ||
- | Step 2: [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zjhNSZCHK_tCMFgd4uHIHq-y6TXKWvbJRwxl24ltXCI/edit?usp=sharing|Electroplating with the Contac S4]] | + | **Step 2:** [[https://gtvault.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/HiveMakerspace/ESv_zF8waMZDucEP3-J6NFYBuArRkl8M5vwusDOW_0RiDQ?e=IUuxvH|Electroplating with the Contac S4]]\\ |
+ | \\ | ||
+ | //Quick Plating Tips//: | ||
+ | * Adjusting the plating time can be done if you need a different thickness of copper rather than the standard 18um. If you would like to adjust the plating time, contact the MPIs at < | ||
+ | * 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 a bath needs to be topped off. Get a PI to help. | ||
+ | * Don't forget to stir bath 3 prior to use! At least 3 minutes, about 200 end-to-end strokes. | ||
+ | * When rinsing after drying (after “bath 4”), scrub the copper surface with a sponge to remove as much of the dried activator off the copper as possible. | ||
+ | * Scour around your fiducials after plating. It makes a noticeable difference to the laser. | ||
- | Step 3: [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/12wh_QeFDMwJ3yHM_1vKg2GOl59GsFNlvb-bEEM9CVig/edit?usp=sharing|Etching with the ProtoLaser]] | + | **Step 3:** [[https://gtvault.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/HiveMakerspace/ERfKdS6GbVpJo6k_gJ1MgLgB3VVaU7ckSrJCkb4FGMK1IA?e=1rAYmW|Etching with the ProtoLaser]] |
- | Step 4: [[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uAXuYXLWbGZ9QXFLtfK_cNIoK9yKyPrC-1UqUaSmDzk/edit?usp=sharing|Routing with the ProtoMat]] | + | **Step 4:** [[https://gtvault.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/HiveMakerspace/Edjj8jMNM41GlLnyGoimobUBNnqyUsva7KgEmdtWk4Ceow?e=brYMfK|Routing with the ProtoMat]] |
---- | ---- | ||
For issues with the ProtoMat, see the [[pcb-help_pm|ProtoMat Knowledge Base]].\\ | For issues with the ProtoMat, see the [[pcb-help_pm|ProtoMat Knowledge Base]].\\ | ||
- | For issues with the ProtoLaser, see the [[pcb-help_pl|ProtoLaser Knowledge Base]]. | + | For issues with the ProtoLaser, see the [[pcb-help_pl|ProtoLaser Knowledge Base]].\\ |
- | ---- | + | For issues |
- | === Common Electroplating Issues === | + | |
- | * **" | + | |
- | * //Potential issue:// Baths 1 and/or 2 are low.\\ | + | |
- | * Lift the lids to baths 1 and 2. If they are low, get a PI/ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * **Zero plating current error during plating step (Bath 5)** | + | |
- | * //Potential issue:// Too much copper buildup on the PCB holder.\\ | + | |
- | * Put on the chemical safety gear (apron, goggles, gloves, in that order) and remove the board from bath 5. Using the drip tray, go to the sink and rinse the drip tray, board, holder, and gloves well. Remove the board from the holder | + | |
- | * If the error continues to be triggered, the resistance remains high, or you are not comfortable doing this, please get a PI. | + | |
- | * //Potential issue:// Insufficient contact between the metal pegs in the tool and the metal underside of the tool holder. | + | |
- | * While wearing the chemical safety gear, make sure that the tool holder is completely screwed down onto the pegs. | + | |
- | * If the toolholder screws will not tighten further but is not in contact with the rail (i.e. there is a gap between the tool holder and the metal side railings), attempt to re-seat the holder onto the pegs While wearing the chemical safety gear. | + | |
- | * If that is unsuccessful in solving the issue, while wearing the chemical safety gear, remove the board+holder from Bath 5 and, using the drip tray, move to the sink to rinse the board, holder, gloves, and drip tray. Remove the board from the holder with the allen key. Using a wire brush, sandpaper, or other means, clean out the peg holes in the tool holder. This may require disassembly of the holder entirely. To test the connection, make sure to don the chemical safety gear again before slotting the holder (without the substrate) into Bath 5. Using a multimeter, measure the resistance between the posts on the holder to the metal rails; this should be below 1 ohm. Rinse the holder when you remove it from the Bath while wearing the chemical safety gear. | + |