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process_2s-plate [2022/07/15 16:51] – 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). | ||
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+ | Note that as of Fall 2022, the electroplater is a separate tool that requires a separate training sequence. Please check our [[pcb-training|Training]] page for details. | ||
**Be sure you actually NEED to electroplate before starting this!** The plating process usually takes in excess of three hours (depending on how closely you're watching it), and is historically unreliable. Further, even if it looks like the plating quality is good, the micron-scale variability across the sheet may doom any etching attempts. //There is an alternative!// | **Be sure you actually NEED to electroplate before starting this!** The plating process usually takes in excess of three hours (depending on how closely you're watching it), and is historically unreliable. Further, even if it looks like the plating quality is good, the micron-scale variability across the sheet may doom any etching attempts. //There is an alternative!// | ||
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* [[https:// | * [[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:// | **Step 1:** [[https:// | ||
* 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. | ||
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\\ | \\ | ||
//Quick Plating Tips//: | //Quick Plating Tips//: | ||
- | * If you would like to adjust the plating time, ask a PI to put you in touch with an MPI. | + | * 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. | * 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. | * If the machine throws an error on startup, it’s likely a bath needs to be topped off. Get a PI to help. | ||
- | * After bath 3 (activator): | + | * Don't forget to stir bath 3 prior to use! At least 3 minutes, about 200 end-to-end strokes. |
- | * Swipe a “reasonable” amount off with squeegee (mostly just don’t want it dripping) | + | * 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. |
- | * Cure for 20+ mins at 150F. (Higher than this can cause the ink to bake into the copper.) | + | |
- | * 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. | * Scour around your fiducials after plating. It makes a noticeable difference to the laser. | ||