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→‎General Procedure: Removed old info and added additional tips
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#'''Ready the Ink'''
 
#'''Ready the Ink'''
 
##The ink is most usable when it reaches room temperature, so we have to let it warm up in advance.
 
##The ink is most usable when it reaches room temperature, so we have to let it warm up in advance.
##Reference the [[#Current Inks and Paste|Current Inks and Paste]] for information on the what the PCB lab is currently stocked with.
   
##Grab the correct conductive ink from the fridge, and let it warm up to room temperature, about 15-30 minutes. It is labeled with a '''green''' sticker.
 
##Grab the correct conductive ink from the fridge, and let it warm up to room temperature, about 15-30 minutes. It is labeled with a '''green''' sticker.
 
#'''Software Setup'''
 
#'''Software Setup'''
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#'''Priming the Conductor'''
 
#'''Priming the Conductor'''
 
##Ensure 15 minutes have passed before beginning the next step. This helps the ink flow easier, so the dispenser should not be cold to the touch.
 
##Ensure 15 minutes have passed before beginning the next step. This helps the ink flow easier, so the dispenser should not be cold to the touch.
##'''Read carefully.''' The Voltera application explains this step well. Follow the on-screen instructions before moving on to the next step. Some tips/tricks/warnings: <br /><br /> - '''Nozzles are fragile!''' You would be surprised how easy it is to break one. Treat this process with care!<br /> - Hold the dispenser over a paper towel to prevent ink from getting everywhere.<br /> - If you need to wipe the nozzle, do so '''gently''' and '''use a cotton swab found in the drawers.''' <br /> - Ink should not be flowing quickly out of the dispenser when you finish priming, but '''a very small amount''' of flow is OK. <br /> [[File:Voltera priming.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
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##'''Read carefully.''' The Voltera application explains this step well. Follow the on-screen instructions before moving on to the next step. Some tips/tricks/warnings:<br /> - '''Nozzles are fragile!''' You would be surprised how easy it is to break one. Treat this process with care!<br /> - Hold the dispenser over a paper towel to prevent ink from getting everywhere.<br /> - If you need to wipe the nozzle, do so '''gently''' and '''use a cotton swab found in the drawers.''' <br /> - Ink should not be flowing quickly out of the dispenser when you finish priming, but '''a very small amount''' of flow is OK. <br /> [[File:Voltera priming.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
 
##Mount the dispenser. [[File:Voltera mount_conductive.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
 
##Mount the dispenser. [[File:Voltera mount_conductive.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
 
#'''Calibration'''
 
#'''Calibration'''
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##When you reach the instruction titled "Flip Board," you are done. We want to bake these traces on the Reflow Oven before we do anything else to the board.
 
##When you reach the instruction titled "Flip Board," you are done. We want to bake these traces on the Reflow Oven before we do anything else to the board.
 
##Unclamp the board from the Voltera, and remember that the traces are still wet, so do not smear them around.
 
##Unclamp the board from the Voltera, and remember that the traces are still wet, so do not smear them around.
##Consult the Reflow Oven wiki and complete that process.
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##Consult the Reflow Oven wiki and complete that process. Bake the board soon after printing to ensure best results.
 
#'''Preparing for Solder Paste'''
 
#'''Preparing for Solder Paste'''
 
##You should now have a PCB with traces baked on it! Time to make those pads for placing components.
 
##You should now have a PCB with traces baked on it! Time to make those pads for placing components.
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