Tools Calibration

 

Calibrate the tools

 

The configuration files for calibration and configuration of the tools are located in the Pcbfactory\output folder :

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tool_3DPrint.ini : this is a slicer configuration file, this configuration file is used to generate gcode file of supports that needs to be printed in PLA .

 

Tool_CoatingExtruder.ini : this is the configuration file for 3D printing of traces and pads. ( my testings using this method with pla showed that it does not work on copper, but I leave it here as may be it could work with different filaments , like filaflex. ) This tool intends to 3D print directly the traces on a copper support. 

 

Tool_Pen.ini : This is the configuration file to allow to draw the traces and pads on the coper, using an etch-resist pen.

 

The following 3 lines, within that file are controlling the calibration:

 

#Tool_Pen_Cal_X=45.5

 

#Tool_Pen_Cal_Y=50

 

#Tool_Pen_Cal_Z=21.8

 

( do not remove the ‘#’ character )

 

Tool_Marker : This is the configuration file  to allow to cover a copper pcb in full with etch resist marker. The calibration of this tool needs a separate configuration file than the etch resist pen, because you may want to have a large marker for covering pcbs, and a thin marker for drawing traces. The tool_Marker.ini file is the configuration file for the large etch resist marker.

 

The following 3 lines, within that file are controlling the calibration:

 

#Tool_Marker_Cal_X=56.8

 

#Tool_Marker_Cal_Y=66.2

 

#Tool_Marker_Cal_Z=37.6

 

( do not remove the ‘#’ character )

 

Tool_Scratcher : This is the configuration file  to allow to scrath a etchresist covererc copper pcb . ( etch scratching process)

 

The following lines, within that file are controlling the calibration  :

 

#Tool_Scratcher_Cal_X=57.8

 

#Tool_Scratcher_Cal_Y=42.4

 

#Tool_Scratcher_Cal_Z=6.4

 

( do not remove the ‘#’ character )

 

 

 

 

 

Tool_pcbdrill.ini : This is the configuration file to allow to drill the holes on the pcb board.

 

The following lines, within that file are controlling the calibration:

 

 

 

#Tool_pcbDrill_Cal_X=39.1

 

#Tool_pcbDrill_Cal_Y=60.8

 

#Tool_pcbDrill_Cal_Z=9.4

 

 

 

Drill specific settings :

 

#Tool_pcbDrill_dz=5

 

#Tool_pcbDrill_speed=500

 

#Tool_pcbDrill_wait=10

 

 

 

Every time a configuration ini file is modified, file is modified, you will need to relaunch the  pcbfactory\“generategcode.vbs” script  ( no need to relaunch the generate3D files again).

 

Every time you modify the circuit within DesignSparks, you will need to reexport the odb++ folder ( you can re-export to the same location), then relaunch both scripts “ generate3DFiles” and “Generategcode.vbs”.

 

 

 

 

 

How to calibrate the tools

 

As an example, I will show below how to calibrat the pen tool. All the other tools are calibrated in the exact same way  : 

 

You first need to print the CalibrationPattern.gcode file  using your standard 3D printer ( with PLA filament ) .

 

 

 

  1. Print the pcbfactory\output\1_Calibration\3DPrint__Calibration_cross.gcode file.

 

This will print a cross, showing the P0 position on the 3D printer bed.

 

By default, the cross (P0 Position)  is at position (X=5,Y=5,Z=0). This could be modified if the default P0 position would not work with your printer in the pcbfactory\parameters.inc file. I am hoping that this value will work for most people.

 

Note : if you already have the support printed and sticked on the printer bed, you do not need to print the calibration cross : the P0 Position is located at the lower left corner of the support.

 

Just use this point as the P0 position.

 

 

 

  1. Launch the auto home process on the printer without the Pen tool installed.

 

This should put the nozzle of the 3D printer at position (x=0, y=0, Z=0).

 

  1. Mount the tool on the slider.

 

When the printer is at position 0,0,0  , the tool can be mounted on the slider. For the pen tool : just slide the tool on the slider, and adjust the sliding adjustment screws  to have a free vertical move of the tool, but X,Y precise move.

 

  1. Move slowly the X, Y,Z axis of the printer, using the menu of the printer  to move the tool, so that the tool will  exactly touch the center of the calibration cross (P0Position).

     

  2. Note the X Y Z coordinates from the printer screen, and enter these coordinates within the pcbfactory\Output\Tool_Pen.ini  file :

 

 

Do not remove the “#” symbols in the file. These symbols are required.

 

Calibration is done.

 

CRITICAL Reminder : Each time a tool ini file is modified ( usually due to recalibration) , it is needed to regenerate all the gcode files by  launching the pcbfactory\GenerateGcode.vbs script.

 

 

 

 

 

That’s it  for the software part. Easy isn’t it ?