Shenzhen Ready: Difference between revisions
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* Export the cut-out layer individually (copy into new file) as .dxf | * Export the cut-out layer individually (copy into new file) as .dxf | ||
* (the drill layer is best made in KiCAD) | * (the drill layer is best made in KiCAD) | ||
Special features for the mixtape | |||
* in GIMP you can use the color selection tool, Threshold 100 was good for yellow. | |||
* make sure you add white backgroun | |||
== Finalizing in KiCAD == | == Finalizing in KiCAD == | ||
| Line 66: | Line 71: | ||
* Be careful white means it's there | * Be careful white means it's there | ||
* double check negative/positive | * double check negative/positive (no transparency!!) | ||
* click export | * click export | ||
* navigate into your personal library and name it understandibly | * navigate into your personal library and name it understandibly | ||
* find generated using your file browser .kicad_mod in your personal library | * find generated using your file browser .kicad_mod in your personal library | ||
* Find/Replace with text editor to change to your wanted layer (F.Cu, F.Mask...) | * Find/Replace with text editor to change to your wanted layer (F.Cu, F.Mask...) | ||
=== Export all gerber files === | |||
check them here: http://viewer.tracespace.io/ | |||
== Panelizing for automated assembly == | == Panelizing for automated assembly == | ||
Revision as of 13:30, 21 July 2017
Classics
Online Showcases of PCBs
Cardboardelectrnics Collection of PCB projects curated by D. Kera and her "academic" article.
Other sources and methods
http://41j.com/blog/2016/09/weird-pcb-layouts-with-kicad/
https://github.com/mtl/svg2mod
How to prepare the files
Basics
Go crazy and draw, paint, design your boards as you wish!
some inspriations here: http://dusjagr.hotglue.me/
See some of our classics: File:MadLab_circuit_classics.pdf
Inkscape preparations
... still needs to be updated!
Example from ucok's Biosynth: http://lifepatch.org/Biosynth
The cut-milled border should be 2mm, some pcb manufacturers then just use a 2mm tool. this will be the cheapest, but reduced resolution in the sharp corners.
Important files and formats to export
- Export as bitmap the following layers: Copper, StopMask, SilkScreen
- 600 or 1200 dpi has been shown to give good enough quality
- Export the cut-out layer individually (copy into new file) as .dxf
- (the drill layer is best made in KiCAD)
Special features for the mixtape
- in GIMP you can use the color selection tool, Threshold 100 was good for yellow.
- make sure you add white backgroun
Finalizing in KiCAD
First time KiCAD users
- install and start KiCAD
- Make a new project and define file path
- Make a custom personal footprint library in KiCAD for your crazy footprints and logos
Import using Logo-Importer
- Be careful white means it's there
- double check negative/positive (no transparency!!)
- click export
- navigate into your personal library and name it understandibly
- find generated using your file browser .kicad_mod in your personal library
- Find/Replace with text editor to change to your wanted layer (F.Cu, F.Mask...)
Export all gerber files
check them here: http://viewer.tracespace.io/
Panelizing for automated assembly
Send for manufacturing
- Make extra notes to the manufacturer to use the file as is, or clarify all the weird shapes and layers.
Urs' favorite: http://www.pcbway.com/
- limited colors for silk screen.
- around 1$ for our typical size of pcb.
- delivery usually around 10-15 days, delivery and customs can add 20-40 $