53
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
mLine 30:
Line 30: − + Line 91:
Line 91: − + Line 117:
Line 117: − + − + Line 128:
Line 128: − + − + − + − + Line 144:
Line 144: − + − + Line 157:
Line 157: − + Line 164:
Line 164: − + − + Line 183:
Line 183: − + Line 191:
Line 191: − + +
Minor formatting
==Description==
==Description==
The PCB Printer (Voltera V-One) brings quick turn PCBs to your desktop. Import your gerber file into the Voltera software, press print, and the V-One will bring your board to life. Use the drilling, solder paste dispensing, and reflow features to mount components onto your printed board, or mount components on a pre-fabricated board with ease.
The PCB Printer (Voltera V-One) brings quick turn PCBs to your desktop. Import your Gerber file into the Voltera software, press print, and the V-One will bring your board to life. Use the drilling, solder paste dispensing, and reflow features to mount components onto your printed board, or mount components on a pre-fabricated board with ease.
This is a simple example of what the PCB Printer can do. Currently the PCB lab has a different baking process using a different oven, so we will be curing the boards using a different method than shown in the video.
This is a simple example of what the PCB Printer can do. Currently the PCB lab has a different baking process using a different oven, so we will be curing the boards using a different method than shown in the video.
Using the Voltera to create single-sided boards with NO vias or holes.[[File:voltera_blinky_500.jpg|300x300px|thumb|right|Training board - The Blinky 500]]
Using the Voltera to create single-sided boards with NO vias or holes.[[File:voltera_blinky_500.jpg|300x300px|thumb|right|Training board - The Blinky 500]]
# Drilling
# '''Drilling'''
## '''This board in particular does not have any holes, so this entire step can be skipped for this procedure''', however, these are the steps to take if you need to drill holes in the future.
## '''This board in particular does not have any holes, so this entire step can be skipped for this procedure''', however, these are the steps to take if you need to drill holes in the future.
## After opening the Voltera software, select Drill. This option is chosen only if you want to add holes to an existing board.
## After opening the Voltera software, select Drill. This option is chosen only if you want to add holes to an existing board.
### The drill should sing you a little song once it's connected. '''Before drilling, prepare the vacuum.''' Use this to suck all the debris that comes from your board. You can get it decently close to the board, even on the board while it is drilling, just be sure to move when the drill is getting ready to move.[[File:VacuumBoi.jpg|none|thumb]]
### The drill should sing you a little song once it's connected. '''Before drilling, prepare the vacuum.''' Use this to suck all the debris that comes from your board. You can get it decently close to the board, even on the board while it is drilling, just be sure to move when the drill is getting ready to move.[[File:VacuumBoi.jpg|none|thumb]]
### And you're finished drilling holes! Vacuum up any debris and continue with laying the traces.
### And you're finished drilling holes! Vacuum up any debris and continue with laying the traces.
# 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.
## 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'''
## Download the files for this project [[Media:pcb_printer_level_1.zip|here]].
## Download the files for this project [[Media:pcb_printer_level_1.zip|here]].
## Power on the Voltera.
## Power on the Voltera.
## Next we need to add the proper conductive ink, which is the same conductive ink you acquired in step 1.2.
## Next we need to add the proper conductive ink, which is the same conductive ink you acquired in step 1.2.
## Load the ink file from the project files. This is the Top Layer Gerber file.
## Load the ink file from the project files. This is the Top Layer Gerber file.
# Cleaning the Sensors
# '''Cleaning the Sensors'''
## Take a cue tip and dip it into the isopropyl alcohol. The cue tip should be moist, but NOT soaked. Dab the cue tip on a paper towel to dry it slightly.
## Take a cue tip and dip it into the isopropyl alcohol. The cue tip should be moist, but NOT soaked. Dab the cue tip on a paper towel to dry it slightly.
## Clean the calibration switches by rubbing them with the cue tip.This will help clear out any crap that could hurt the sensor. [[File:Voltera cleaning.jpg|border|none|300x300px|Cleaning the calibration switches]]
## Clean the calibration switches by rubbing them with the cue tip.This will help clear out any crap that could hurt the sensor. [[File:Voltera cleaning.jpg|border|none|300x300px|Cleaning the calibration switches]]
# Clamping the Substrate
# '''Clamping the Substrate'''
## Acquire a 1.5" by 2" blank board. They are located in the one of the drawers.
## Acquire a 1.5" by 2" blank board. They are located in the one of the drawers.
## Slide the board underneath the clamps on the Voltera, push the clamps towards each other, and finger-tighten the thumb screws. You should not be able to move the board once you clamp them down. [[File:Voltera clamping.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Slide the board underneath the clamps on the Voltera, push the clamps towards each other, and finger-tighten the thumb screws. You should not be able to move the board once you clamp them down. [[File:Voltera clamping.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
# Mounting the Probe
# '''Mounting the Probe'''
## Pull the probe from one of the drawers. The probe should have a large metal tip, do not confuse it with the dispenser. [[File:Voltera drawer.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Pull the probe from one of the drawers. The probe should have a large metal tip, do not confuse it with the dispenser. [[File:Voltera drawer.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Remove the cap and place it near the Voltera.
## Remove the cap and place it near the Voltera.
## Mount the probe onto the magnetic gantry. It should snap into place and the contacts should align. [[File:Voltera mount_probe.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Mount the probe onto the magnetic gantry. It should snap into place and the contacts should align. [[File:Voltera mount_probe.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
# Positioning and Probing
# '''Positioning and Probing'''
## Click "Outline." This will show you where the Voltera thinks the board is. It will move the probe around the printer surface and determine how close the dispenser will need to be to the board.
## Click "Outline." This will show you where the Voltera thinks the board is. It will move the probe around the printer surface and determine how close the dispenser will need to be to the board.
## Repeat step one until the outline is centered with the board. Click and drag the circuit in the Voltera application to move the outline.
## Repeat step one until the outline is centered with the board. Click and drag the circuit in the Voltera application to move the outline.
## In the next step, Click "Probe" and wait for the Voltera to finish its measurements. [[File:Voltera probing.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## In the next step, Click "Probe" and wait for the Voltera to finish its measurements. [[File:Voltera probing.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Remove the probe, replace the cap, place the probe back in the drawer, and proceed. <br /><br />
## Remove the probe, replace the cap, place the probe back in the drawer, and proceed. <br /><br />
# 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]]
## '''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]]
## Mount the dispenser. [[File:Voltera mount_conductive.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Mount the dispenser. [[File:Voltera mount_conductive.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
# Calibration
# '''Calibration'''
## Click "Advanced." Start with the '''Z at 0.10 mm''' and the '''E at 0 um'''. Adjust the Voltera to these values, as it is a safe distance for the dispenser.
## Click "Advanced." Start with the '''Z at 0.10 mm''' and the '''E at 0 um'''. Adjust the Voltera to these values, as it is a safe distance for the dispenser.
## Click "Calibrate." The Voltera will lay down a test print. Pay close attention to the amount and consistency of the ink.[[File:Voltera calibrate.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Click "Calibrate." The Voltera will lay down a test print. Pay close attention to the amount and consistency of the ink.[[File:Voltera calibrate.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## The example below is a more acceptable test print. Strive for this consistency. If your board looks right, proceed. [[File:Voltera calibrate_better.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## The example below is a more acceptable test print. Strive for this consistency. If your board looks right, proceed. [[File:Voltera calibrate_better.jpg|border|none|300x300px]]
## Click "Next," and wipe the board clean a final time, as you are now preparing to print your whole circuit. <br /><br />
## Click "Next," and wipe the board clean a final time, as you are now preparing to print your whole circuit. <br /><br />
# Top Layer Print
# '''Top Layer Print'''
## '''The Voltera will print what is selected in Green.''' Below is an example of a portion of the board selected. Ensure the portion you want to print is selected (in this case, select everything.) '''Remember that blue lines will not be printed.''' [[File:voltera_selection.PNG|300x300px|none]]
## '''The Voltera will print what is selected in Green.''' Below is an example of a portion of the board selected. Ensure the portion you want to print is selected (in this case, select everything.) '''Remember that blue lines will not be printed.''' [[File:voltera_selection.PNG|300x300px|none]]
## Click "Start." Let the Voltera finish its process. If a portion of the print fails or is incorrect, you can stop mid-print, or wait until it is finished and redo that selection. Also shown below is an example of a portion of ink that globbed up. The portion was wiped and can be reprinted. [[File:voltera_printing.jpg|300x300px|none]] <br /> [[File:voltera_print_blob.jpg|300x300px|none]] <br /> [[File:voltera_print_redo.jpg|300x300px|none]] <br />
## Click "Start." Let the Voltera finish its process. If a portion of the print fails or is incorrect, you can stop mid-print, or wait until it is finished and redo that selection. Also shown below is an example of a portion of ink that globbed up. The portion was wiped and can be reprinted. [[File:voltera_printing.jpg|300x300px|none]] <br /> [[File:voltera_print_blob.jpg|300x300px|none]] <br /> [[File:voltera_print_redo.jpg|300x300px|none]] <br />
## 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.
## Consult the Reflow Oven wiki and complete that process.
#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.
##Take a burnishing pad from one of the drawers. Rub the substrate with the pad until the traces have a shine to them, rather than a dull appearance.
##Take a burnishing pad from one of the drawers. Rub the substrate with the pad until the traces have a shine to them, rather than a dull appearance.
##Replace the burnishing pad back into the drawer. This cleans the surface of the traces and makes them look super shiny.
##Replace the burnishing pad back into the drawer. This cleans the surface of the traces and makes them look super shiny.
#Aligning the Paste
#'''Aligning the Paste'''
##This process will help the Voltera know where it needs to print solder. The user gives it two locations where the pads should go, and the Voltera can use the Gerber files to determine where else pads need to go.
##This process will help the Voltera know where it needs to print solder. The user gives it two locations where the pads should go, and the Voltera can use the Gerber files to determine where else pads need to go.
##At this time, retrieve the solder paste from the fridge and set it out to warm. The correct paste is labeled with a '''orange''' sticker.
##At this time, retrieve the solder paste from the fridge and set it out to warm. The correct paste is labeled with a '''orange''' sticker.
##Click "Probe." This will measure the height of the board and determine how far away the dispenser needs to be from the board.
##Click "Probe." This will measure the height of the board and determine how far away the dispenser needs to be from the board.
##Once it finishes probing, remove the probe and replace it in the drawer.
##Once it finishes probing, remove the probe and replace it in the drawer.
#Priming the Paste
#'''Priming the Paste'''
##Refer to the priming directions in step 8 before mounting the dispenser.
##Refer to the priming directions in step 8 before mounting the dispenser.
##Once it is primed, mount it and proceed.
##Once it is primed, mount it and proceed.
##Unclamp the board from the Voltera. Remember that you are handling a board with wet paste. Clean up!
##Unclamp the board from the Voltera. Remember that you are handling a board with wet paste. Clean up!
##You are now done with the PCB Printer! Refer to the Pick and Place as well as the Reflow Oven wikis for the remainder of the process.
##You are now done with the PCB Printer! Refer to the Pick and Place as well as the Reflow Oven wikis for the remainder of the process.
# Components
# '''18658'''
#
## The board consists of a button, a 680Ω resistor, and an LED. Attach a fixed 5VDC connection to the + and -, and the LED should illuminate.
## The board consists of a button, a 680Ω resistor, and an LED. Attach a fixed 5VDC connection to the + and -, and the LED should illuminate.
==Safety==
==Safety==