Line 140: |
Line 140: |
| #'''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''' |
Line 164: |
Line 163: |
| #'''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 /> - '''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''' |
Line 181: |
Line 180: |
| ##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. | + | ##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. |