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laserinfo:pcb_stencils [2009/05/06 20:20]
ladyada
laserinfo:pcb_stencils [2009/05/07 01:45]
ladyada
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 ====== How to make PCB solder paste stencils ====== ====== How to make PCB solder paste stencils ======
  
-Thanks to [[Ryan O'Hara at Ohararp.com|http://​ohararp.com/​]] for this information,​ he provides a stencil cutting service and is recommended!+Thanks to [[http://​ohararp.com/​|Ryan O'Hara at Ohararp.com]] for this information,​ he provides a stencil cutting service and is recommended!
  
 You'll need:  You'll need: 
   - A laser cutter   - A laser cutter
-  - Kapton film, I like the mil thick 1 ft square sheets from [[McMaster-Carr|http://​www.mcmaster.com/#​2271K2]] +  - Kapton film, I like the mil thick 1 ft square sheets from [[http://​www.mcmaster.com/#​2271K2|McMaster-Carr]] 
-  - Solder paste such as [[Kester No-Clean|http://​search.digikey.com/​scripts/​DkSearch/​dksus.dll?​Detail&​name=KE1507-ND]]+  - Solder paste such as [[http://​search.digikey.com/​scripts/​DkSearch/​dksus.dll?​Detail&​name=KE1507-ND|Kester No-Clean]]
  
 Software: Software:
   - PCB layout software (well, thats how I do it) - this example will use EagleCAD   - PCB layout software (well, thats how I do it) - this example will use EagleCAD
-  - [[Pentalogix ViewMate Gerber viewer software|http://​www.pentalogix.com/​Download/​download.html#item8]] +  - [[http://​www.pentalogix.com/​Download/​download.html|Pentalogix ViewMate Gerber viewer software]] 
-  - [[PDFCreator|http://​sourceforge.net/​project/​showfiles.php?​group_id=57796]] or some other free PDF printer+  - [[http://​sourceforge.net/​project/​showfiles.php?​group_id=57796|PDFCreator]] or some other free PDF printer
  
 ===== Create Gerber files of cream layer ===== ===== Create Gerber files of cream layer =====
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 Also export the Dimension layer (PCB outline) since that will help a lot in registration Also export the Dimension layer (PCB outline) since that will help a lot in registration
  
-===== Import cream Gerber in ViewMate ​=====+===== Import cream Gerber in Viewmate ​=====
  
-Start up ViewMate ​and File>​Import>​Gerber one of the Gerber files generated+Start up Viewmate ​and File>​Import>​Gerber one of the Gerber files generated
  
 {{:​laserinfo:​import.gif|}} {{:​laserinfo:​import.gif|}}
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 ===== Export ===== ===== Export =====
  
-Now we'll export to PDF which will allow for easy importing into CorelDraw. The free version of ViewMate ​doesnt seem to permit exporting, but you can print to PDF which is just as good.+Now we'll export to PDF which will allow for easy importing into Corel Draw. The free version of Viewate ​doesnt seem to permit exporting, but you can print to PDF which is just as good.
  
 {{:​laserinfo:​pdfprint.gif|}} {{:​laserinfo:​pdfprint.gif|}}
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 ===== Cut! ===== ===== Cut! =====
  
-Import into CorelDraw ​and use raster not vector, to burn away the kapton film. For a 35W or 45W epilog, 30% speed and 100% power at 600 dpi made for a nice clean edge. Be sure to gently rub the stencil with water and a paper towel to get rid of the burnt kapton.+Import into Corel Draw and use raster not vector, to burn away the kapton film. For a 35W or 45W epilog, 30% speed and 100% power at 600 dpi made for a nice clean edge. Be sure to gently rub the stencil with water and a paper towel to get rid of the burnt kapton.
  
 {{:​laserinfo:​cutstencil.jpg|}} {{:​laserinfo:​cutstencil.jpg|}}
  
 +I usually use the Dimension layer info to make a jig for silkscreening by cutting out the PCB outline in a 0.062''​ (1/16th) clear acrylic sheet
 +
 +Here is a LFCSP 16 (4mm on each side) cut out of 2 mil kapton as above
 +
 +{{:​laserinfo:​lfcspkapton.jpg|}}
/home/ladyada/public_html/wiki/data/pages/laserinfo/pcb_stencils.txt · Last modified: 2016/01/28 18:05 (external edit)