TL/DR Version:

1. export GBR
2. Import into Diptrace set as Pads Layer on import
3. Resize anything necessary
4. Export GBR Top Layer and check Mirror box
5. Use GtoG select new GBR
6. Create Graphtec File
7. Cut

Solder Paste Stencil

Using Gerber to Graphtec – direct interface to cutter

**** For parts on the bottom side of PCB – Target3001 automatically inverts the X axis values from the origin. So put the origin on the bottom right corner of your PCB and then when placing PCB in the machine turn it over on the X axis and it should all work.

• first export the gerber paste file from Target3001 with .01 mm subtraction
• import it into DipTrace because the default gerbers do not work right with gerber to graphtec (the bug is actually in gerbv which graphtec uses), some pads get skewed.
• – Use “convert to – pads” option in the diptrace import dialog
• if you have small QFN pads that were shrunk by the .03mm subtraction probably a good idea to resize them manually to the size they were before – select “rectangle” if they are polygons to make this work
• – I am testing mirroring the whole design at this point so that the cutter is cutting a mirror image of the stencil. This may help with the fact that the blade creates slightly angled cuts which should in theory allow the paste to be released easier if you cut it upside down with the wider side of the holes upwards and then flip it over for application to the PCB.
• export the gbr file from DipTrace
• Open gerbertographtec from C:\gerber2graphtec-master\g2g_gui.py
• Use  GUI to convert the file and cut it
• Offset = sets the position on the sheet that the file will be cut at – distance from the top right corner, refereced as if a full 12″ width sheet is loaded. 4″ gets you to the edge of a normal sheet of paper referenced from the right.
• Border = cuts a border around the gbr file, set to 0,0 to disable this function
• Matrix = calibrate the cutter if errors
• Speed = speeds for sucessive cuts, 1 is speed 1 for all three cuts = using only one cut at 30 pressure seems to work!!
• Force = Pressure the cutter applies to the stencil, using 30 for now
• Shared Cutter Name = name of the cutter in windows once its drive has been installed and shared

For plastic sheet use transparencies stuck to full sheet avery label, then stuck to the silhouette cameo plastic backing.

To remove the avery label you can soak it in rubbing alcohol. does not seem to affect transparency.

Using Silhouette Cameo Software Directly Does not work!

• Target 3001 Post Script export tool – paste layer
• Open in CorelDRAW
• Un-group all
• delete excess copper fill? (from main IC)
• Arrange – Shaping – Simplify
• – resize some objects if solder paste is different from PCB pad size (like the pads on the micro USB connector)
• Select only the single line elments (usually rounded pads) Arrange – Convert Outline to Object = only works on the single line elements
• Select All = Arrange – Shaping – Weld (if some parts turn into lines undo and turn them into objects first)
• Export to DXF in MM sizing
• Make sure silhouette cameo software settings are set to not resize the imported DXF file.
• Open the DXF
• Success!!!!!! damn that is complicated..

• Settings for Silhouette Cameo cutting
• Blade fresh and set to # 1
• Speed set to 1
• Pressure set to 20
• No track enhancing.

• Have Target3001 export the paste layer as a gerber file 
• Open in Gerbv program and export to SVG
• Open in Inkscape and resize any traces with wrong width

Pick and Place File Creation

File/Input-Output Formats/Production/Pick-and-place Automat

Rotation is derived from the package default orientation in Target

Using VBA code to do the calculations.

Settings:

• Component selection = Only SMD Components
• Component Selection = Only Components on top
• Coordinates Origin = Relative coordinates origin of project
• Derive package reference point from = the outline of the pads

Settings Line:  

*No,1,”30″,”X”,”Y”,0,1,0,”Name”,”Value/Package”,”Rotation”

*No,”Value/Package”,”X”,”Y”,”Rotation”,”Name”

Setting speed for individual components:

• In edit window press F1 to add a new line before the currently selected component.
• Set the “type” to 0 = speed setting cmd
• “head” now becomes the speed 1 = 10% 15 = 150% (max)
• You must add another speed line after the component line to change the speed back to whatever it was before.

Genera Links:

Excel VBA programming macros http://www.excel-easy.com/vba/create-a-macro.html#command-button

Not my machine but still interesting pick and place information http://mdc-smt.co.jp/pdf/eng/NXHANDBOOK.pdf