diff --git a/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil.md b/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil.md index 36e15c5..b96775e 100644 --- a/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil.md +++ b/HOWTO/laser-solder-paste-stencil.md @@ -1,17 +1,18 @@ # HOWTO make SMT Stencils with LASER -This documents how to make a stencils with a laser. +This documents how to make solder paste stencils with a LASER. -Equipment Used: +## Equipment Used * LulzBot TAZ 6. * J-Tech Photonics 3.8W LASER. * Graytex Papers "Clear Transparencies for Color Laser Printers" (P/N 235-8511). +5 mil clear. -Software Used: +## Software Used * Debian. @@ -21,3 +22,84 @@ Software Used: * J-Tech Photonics Inkscape Plugin. + +# KiCAD +This HOWTO assumes you already have a KiCAD file ready. +You will need to export the paste layers from KiCAD. +This process is for one or two layer boards. You could make +stencils for more layers, but that is only useful if you have a +process to assemble PCBs with more than two layers. + +## KiCAD Steps + +Do thusly: + +* Open your KiCAD `.pro` file. + +* Click on "PCB Layout Editor" icon. + +* Go to `File` --> `Plot...`. + +* `Plot Format`: `Gerber`. + +* `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. + +* `Do not tent vias`: Unchecked. + +* `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 `Gerber Options`: + +* `Use Protel filename extensions`: Checked. XXX confirm. + +* `Generate Gerbe job file`: Unchecked. + +* `Subtract soldermask from silkscreen`: Unchecked. + +* `Coordinate format`: `4.6, unit mm`. XXX confirm. + +* `Use extended X2 format`: Unchecked. + +* `Include netlist attributes`: Unchecked. + +* 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 +will export a file to the `Output directory` specified above. + +* After `Plot`, hit the `Close` button. + +* Exit KiCAD: `File` --> `Exit`.