Each part in the pcb library that need a clearance cut-out has it defined on this layer. In the PCB package I use a mechanical layer for defining the cut-out areas for the jig. The process I use to make the new jigs is PCB artwork Selective Soldering Jig Manufacturing Process That way I can automate the G-Code generation from the PCB CAD files. Because of the large amount of effort required to reprogram both pendants, I plan to convert the machine to run from Mach3.
#Autocad to sheetcam tng manual#
A bit over four hours to do the manual reprogramming. Of course I need to reprogram the unit for the new jig. I've now make a number of more accurate and durable jigs out of Corian. I then had to make a better system so that I can load one fixture while the other is being soldered. The biggest problem with teaching is that initially I made a rough fixture out of MDF to hold the parts and pcb. The video below shows the machine in use soldering one of the MB-02V6 breakout boards. It is probably no faster per joint than hand soldering, but is a lot faster moving between the joints. The robot works very well, surprisingly in fact. The pendant just contains a 2x20 lcd and a keypad. To be fair, the machine does have an optional RS232 module that I don't have (of course). Once it receives the acknowledgement back, it carries on. The base unit selects the cycle it wants and tells it to do it. Each profile has 9 or so different parameters that define the soldering cycle. The soldering head has 30 different profiles. You need to position the head so that the iron contacts both surfaces. The air pressure controls the contact force. When running the soldering tip moves down by a pneumatic actuator.
It works OK but is very tedious to program. You move the head to a point, then select the soldering block you want to execute. The 2nd part is to program the base XYZ with the other pendant. The head is programmed with all the different soldering cycles, including pre-heat, the amount of solder feed, rotation of the head, the soldering duration etc. Both the base and the soldering unit are programmed by a separate teach pendant. The Robot is basically a 3 Axis XYZ platform base with an automated soldering head module mounted to the gantry. It was purchased as a 2nd hand machine and pulled out of a production environment. THE process is similar to may processes that go from CAD to machined item.įor a number of years I had a Fisnar Selective Soldering Robot. It describes a process that goes from the PCB CAD artwork to a Drawing CAD package to Sheetcam then on to Mach3. This Article describes how I create fixture jigs for a Selective Soldering Machine that I use in the production workshop.