Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- process_stencils [2022/05/23 12:21] – benh
+++ process_stencils [2022/05/23 13:59] – benh
@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
     - 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").
-  - 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.
-    - 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 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).