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112 lines
2.5 KiB
112 lines
2.5 KiB
# HOWTO make SMT Stencils with LASER
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This documents how to make solder paste stencils with a LASER
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using FlatCAM. Inkscape is the preferred method to use over
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FlatCAM, for now.
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## Equipment Used
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* LulzBot TAZ 6.
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* J-Tech Photonics 3.8W LASER.
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* Graytex Papers "Clear Transparencies for Color Laser Printers" (P/N 235-8511).
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5 mil (0.127 mm), clear.
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## Software Used
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* Debian.
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* KiCAD.
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* FlatCAM.
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# KiCAD
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This HOWTO assumes you already have a KiCAD file ready.
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You will need to export the paste layers from KiCAD.
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This process is for one or two layer boards. You could make
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stencils for more layers, but that is only useful if you have a
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process to assemble PCBs with more than two layers.
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## KiCAD Steps
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Do thusly:
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* Open your KiCAD `.pro` file.
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* Click on "PCB Layout Editor" icon.
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* Go to `File` --> `Plot...`.
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* `Plot Format`: `Gerber`.
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* `Output directory`: Where you would like the output file to go.
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* `Included Layers`: Include the one layer you want to create a stencil for.
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Example: `F.Paste` for the front solder paste layer or `B.Paste` for the
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back solder paste layer.
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* Under `General Options`:
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* `Plot Border and title block`: Unchecked.
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* `Plot footprint values`: Unchecked.
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* `Plot footprint references`: Unchecked.
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* `Force plotting of invisilble values / refs`: Unchecked.
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* `Exclude PCB edge layer from other layers`: Checked.
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* `Exclude pads from silkscreen`: Unchecked. XXX confirm.
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* `Do not tent vias`: Unchecked.
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* `Use auxiliary axis as origin`: Unchecked. XXX confirm.
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* `Drill marks`: `None`.
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* `Scaling`: `1:1`.
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* `Plot mode`: `Filled`
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* `Default line width`: `0.1 mm`. XXX confirm.
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* `Check zone fills before plotting`: Checked.
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* Under `Gerber Options`:
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* `Use Protel filename extensions`: Unchecked.
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* `Generate Gerber job file`: Unchecked.
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* `Subtract soldermask from silkscreen`: Unchecked.
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* `Coordinate format`: `4.6, unit mm`. XXX confirm.
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* `Use extended X2 format`: Unchecked.
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* `Include netlist attributes`: Unchecked.
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* Under `Output Messages` show debug as you like. You can `Save...`
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the file if you want, but it isn't needed. Useful just for debugging.
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* `Run DRC...` button: Don't run this.
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* `Generate Drill Files...` button: Don't run this.
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* Now that everything is set up, hit the `Plot` button. This
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will export a file to the `Output directory` specified above.
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* If it says: `Zone fills are out of date. Refill?`, click
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`Refill`.
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* After `Plot`, hit the `Close` button.
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* Exit KiCAD: `File` --> `Exit`.
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# FlatCAM
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Open FlatCAM and import the Gerber file exported above...
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