process_stencils

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process_stencils [2022/05/23 11:55] – 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"). 
-  - Click "Browse" (lower left) and navigate to the Desktop. Select the stencil file (.cp2d), which should have a title like, "THE-HIVE_Stencil.cp2d", maybe with some additional information like "polyimide" and/or a thickness.+  - 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.
   - "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). 
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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