process_stencils

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process_stencils [2022/05/23 11:24] – Updated stencil fab process. benhprocess_stencils [2022/05/23 13:59] – benh
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     - It's advisable to tape it down as snug as possible. Unlike FR4, this will flap around during processing if it's not secured to the table. Taping all four edges works well.     - It's advisable to tape it down as snug as possible. Unlike FR4, this will flap around during processing if it's not secured to the table. Taping all four edges works well.
   - Start a new project ("File" > "New").    - Start a new project ("File" > "New"). 
-  - Select the "Stencil" template. (Note: I'm not sure what the "short" version is, so just use the regular one.) +  - The template is called "THE-HIVE_Stencil" or something similar. It should be in the templates list at the top under "Custom Templates", but if it is not, click "Browse" (lower left) and navigate to "Documents". The stencil file should be there.
-  - Select "Polyimide_0.125mm (non-laminated)" as the //Material type//, and "0.125mm" as the //Material thickness//. +
   - "File" > "Import", and select a solderpaste gerber file.    - "File" > "Import", and select a solderpaste gerber file. 
-    - Note that you need one stencil per side of the board, so only select a single gerber file. Make sure it is set to the correct layers (either SolderPasteTop or SolderPasterBottom) before clicking "OK".+    - Note that you need one stencil per side of the board, so only select a single gerber file. Put the Gerber onto the SolderPasteTop layer even if the gerber should be for the bottom solder paste, before clicking "OK". 
 +    - Stencils don't have a side because they get cut through, so by adding all the Gerbers to the same layer (i.e. SolderPasteTop), it will etch them all at once.
     - If you see a warning about nothing on a copper layer, just click "Continue".     - If you see a warning about nothing on a copper layer, just click "Continue".
   - If you have multiple solderpaste gerbers to import (i.e. multiple stencils to make, e.g. a PCB with components on both sides, or multiple PCBs), move your design out of the way (select all, right click, "Move Object"), and then repeat the previous step (the import step).    - If you have multiple solderpaste gerbers to import (i.e. multiple stencils to make, e.g. a PCB with components on both sides, or multiple PCBs), move your design out of the way (select all, right click, "Move Object"), and then repeat the previous step (the import step). 
     - After importing all your designs, move them around (left-click-and-drag to select them individually, right click, "Move Object") to position them as you'd like them to be cut.     - After importing all your designs, move them around (left-click-and-drag to select them individually, right click, "Move Object") to position them as you'd like them to be cut.
-  - "Toolpaths" > "Computer All" to computer the toolpath. Click "Close" when completed.+  - "Toolpaths" > "Computer All" to compute the toolpath.  
 +    - If it has anything other than "Contour", you've likely selected the wrong template, so go back to the start of this tutorial. Otherwise, shoot us an email. 
 +    - Click "Close" when completed.
   - Move to the "Processing" tab to position your design on the polyimide sheet.   - Move to the "Processing" tab to position your design on the polyimide sheet.
     - Turn on the pilot laser (black laser button in the toolbar).     - Turn on the pilot laser (black laser button in the toolbar).
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     - Move the pilot laser (double-click) to the corners of your design to confirm that the >= 1" boarder exists for all four edges. If not, you will have to either move the design again (with the "Placement" window open), or you may have to cut a larger sheet of polyimide if you mis-judged.     - Move the pilot laser (double-click) to the corners of your design to confirm that the >= 1" boarder exists for all four edges. If not, you will have to either move the design again (with the "Placement" window open), or you may have to cut a larger sheet of polyimide if you mis-judged.
   - Once the design is properly placed within the polyimide, press the green play button in the toolbar (or "Processing" > "Process All" in the main toolbar) to begin processing. Follow the steps as requested.   - Once the design is properly placed within the polyimide, press the green play button in the toolbar (or "Processing" > "Process All" in the main toolbar) to begin processing. Follow the steps as requested.
 +  - After processing, you may need to bend the stencil a bit to make sure all the little bits are out. Check with the jeweler's glass in the "PCB Tools" drawer to confirm if you can't visually confirm.
  
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  • process_stencils.txt
  • Last modified: 2024/03/03 12:48
  • by benh