diff --git a/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil-inkscape.md b/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil-inkscape.md index 12c1219..9e715e8 100644 --- a/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil-inkscape.md +++ b/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil-inkscape.md @@ -1,6 +1,8 @@ # HOWTO make SMT Stencils with LASER -This documents how to make solder paste stencils with a LASER. +This documents how to make solder paste stencils with a LASER +using Inkscape. This is the preferred method over using FlatCAM, +for now. ## Equipment Used @@ -38,71 +40,39 @@ Do thusly: * Click on "PCB Layout Editor" icon. -* Go to `File` --> `Plot...`. - -* `Plot Format`: `Gerber`. +* `File` --> `Export` --> `SVG...`. * `Output directory`: Where you would like the output file to go. -* `Included Layers`: Include the one layer you want to create a stencil for. -Example: `F.Paste` for the front solder paste layer or `B.Paste` for the -back solder paste layer. - -* Under `General Options`: - -* `Plot Border and title block`: Unchecked. - -* `Plot footprint values`: Unchecked. - -* `Plot footprint references`: Unchecked. - -* `Force plotting of invisilble values / refs`: Unchecked. - -* `Exclude PCB edge layer from other layers`: Checked. - -* `Exclude pads from silkscreen`: Unchecked. XXX confirm. +* Under `Layers:` -* `Do not tent vias`: Unchecked. +* Under `Copper Layers:` Uncheck all. -* `Use auxiliary axis as origin`: Unchecked. XXX confirm. - -* `Drill marks`: `None`. - -* `Scaling`: `1:1`. - -* `Plot mode`: `Filled` - -* `Default line width`: `0.1 mm`. XXX confirm. - -* `Check zone fills before plotting`: Checked. +* Under `Technical Layers:` +Include the one layer you want to create a stencil for. +Example: `F.Paste` for the front solder paste layer or `B.Paste` for the +back solder paste layer. -* Under `Gerber Options`: +* Under `Options:` -* `Use Protel filename extensions`: Unchecked. +* `Default Pen Size`: `0.05 mm`. XXX confirm. -* `Generate Gerber job file`: Unchecked. +* `Print Mode`: `Black and white`. -* `Subtract soldermask from silkscreen`: Unchecked. +* `SVG Page Size`: `Board area only`. -* `Coordinate format`: `4.6, unit mm`. XXX confirm. +* `Print Board Edges`: Unchecked. -* `Use extended X2 format`: Unchecked. +* `Print mirrored`: Unchecked. -* `Include netlist attributes`: Unchecked. +* `Pagination`: `One file per layer`. * Under `Output Messages` show debug as you like. You can `Save...` the file if you want, but it isn't needed. Useful just for debugging. -* `Run DRC...` button: Don't run this. - -* `Generate Drill Files...` button: Don't run this. - -* Now that everything is set up, hit the `Plot` button. This +* Now that everything is set up, hit the `Export` button. This will export a file to the `Output directory` specified above. -* If it says: `Zone fills are out of date. Refill?`, click -`Refill`. - * After `Plot`, hit the `Close` button. * Exit KiCAD: `File` --> `Exit`.