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Kit Manufacturing๐Ÿ”—

manufacturing guide

Mechanical Structure๐Ÿ”—

CNC (computer numerical control) milling machines are used to fabricate parts with precise dimensions and shapes. The configuration of the feed rate and diameter plays a crucial role in the machining process and can significantly affect the quality and efficiency of the production of a workpiece.

case_parts_00

Manufacturing files๐Ÿ”—

Files Description
PlanktoScope-Case.dxf PlanktoScope Case export for CNC Milling

Tools๐Ÿ”—

Tool Specification
CNC Milling machine minimum traverse path at a minimum size of 600 mm to 1000 mm
End Mill ร˜ 6mm
End Mill ร˜ 3mm
End Mill ร˜ 2mm
End Mill ร˜ 1mm

case_00

Material๐Ÿ”—

Wood๐Ÿ”—

Valchromat is a wood-based composite material made from recycled wood fibers and colored with natural dyes. It is known for its durability, resistance to moisture and decay, and ability to be machined and finished in a similar way to solid wood. Here are some of the key characteristics of valchromat:

  • Durability: Valchromat is a highly durable material that is resistant to moisture, decay, and termites, making it ideal for use in outdoor or high-moisture environments.

  • Strength: Valchromat has a high mechanical strength, making it suitable for use in structural applications such as flooring, furniture, and doors.

  • Machinability: Valchromat can be machined using traditional woodworking tools, such as saws, routers, and drill bits. It can also be finished using sanding, staining, and painting techniques.

  • Sustainability: Valchromat is made from recycled wood fibers, which makes it a more sustainable option compared to traditional wood products. It is also produced using an eco-friendly manufacturing process that generates zero emissions.

  • Versatility: Valchromat is available in a variety of colors, including shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and black, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and design projects.

valchromat_colors

  • When compared to conventional MDF wood, valchromat has a number of advantages. It is more durable and resistant to moisture and decay, making it a better choice for use in outdoor or high-moisture environments. Valchromat is also more sustainable, as it is made from recycled wood fibers.

  • Valchromat can be processed using a CNC router in a similar way to MDF wood. However, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of valchromat when setting up the CNC router, such as the appropriate cutting speed and feed rate.

For the specific use case of the PlanktoScope Case, valchromat was used with a thickness of 8mm. This thickness may be suitable for a variety of applications, depending on the specific requirements and design of the project.

In summary, valchromat is a durable, strong, and versatile wood-based composite material that can be machined and finished in a similar way to solid wood. It is available in a variety of colors and is a more sustainable alternative to traditional wood products. When processed using a CNC router, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of valchromat in order to achieve the desired results.

Finishing๐Ÿ”—

Rubio Monocoat Plus is a wood finishing product that is designed to provide a durable, natural-looking finish to wood surfaces. It is made from plant-based oils and pigments, which give it a unique, transparent finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

One of the key features of Rubio Monocoat Plus is its versatility and ease of use. It can be applied to a wide range of wood species, including hardwoods and softwoods, and can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces. It is also easy to apply, with a simple one-coat application process that allows users to achieve a professional-grade finish in a matter of hours.

Rubio Monocoat Plus is also environmentally friendly, with a low VOC (volatile organic compound) content and a biodegradable formula. This makes it a popular choice for those who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly wood finishing solution.

We use Rubio Monocoat Plus as a finishing product for Valchromat.

CNC workflow๐Ÿ”—

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to configure the feed rate and the diameter of the end mill of a CNC milling machine for the production of a workpiece, using the specified tools and configuration:

  1. Select the appropriate end mill: The end mill should be selected based on the material and shape of the workpiece, as well as the desired level of precision. For this specific production, the following end mills will be used:

    • 6mm end mill for straight flats
    • 2mm end mill for inner contours
    • 1mm end mill for small holes
  2. Determine the feed rate: The feed rate is the speed at which the end mill moves along the surface of the workpiece and is usually measured in millimeters per minute (mm/m). The appropriate feed rate will depend on the diameter of the end mill and the material and thickness of the workpiece. For this specific production, the following feed rates will be used:

    • 1500mm/min for 1-2mm end mills
    • 2500mm/min for 3mm end mills
    • 3500mm/min for 6mm end mills
  3. Load the end mill: Once the appropriate end mill has been selected, it can be loaded onto the spindle of the CNC milling machine.

  4. Set the workpiece: The workpiece should be securely clamped onto the table of the CNC milling machine.

  5. Set the machine parameters: The feed rate and end mill diameter should be entered into the machine's control panel or included in the machining program.

  6. Begin machining: The machining process should be carried out in the following sequence:

    • Mill the screw holes with a 2mm end mill and then with a 3mm end mill
    • Mill the corners with a 2mm end mill
    • Mill everything else with a 3mm end mill

By following these steps, you can properly configure the feed rate and the diameter of the end mill of a CNC milling machine for the production of a workpiece. It is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines for the specific CNC milling machine being used, as well as to use proper safety measures while operating the machine.

planktoscope_case_00.png

Finnish of the case parts๐Ÿ”—

Requirements for case parts๐Ÿ”—

Case tools๐Ÿ”—
  • Hammer
  • Air Compressor
  • Rubber gloves
  • Paper carpet pad
  • Clean piece of cotton fabric
  • Support material for drying the parts
Case part parts๐Ÿ”—
  • all case parts
  • Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C
  • Rubio Monocoat Accelerator Component B
  • Magnets
  • Square nuts

Clean๐Ÿ”—

Stir๐Ÿ”—

Apply๐Ÿ”—

Dry๐Ÿ”—

Inserting the screws๐Ÿ”—

Inserting the magnets๐Ÿ”—

Package Housing part๐Ÿ”—

PlanktoScope Hat๐Ÿ”—

Welcome to the PCB production manual for the PlanktoScope Hat!

planktoscope_hat_front.png planktoscope_hat_back.png

A PCB (printed circuit board) is a crucial component of many electronic devices, providing a platform for connecting and mounting electronic components. The PCB production process involves several steps, including designing the PCB layout, fabricating the PCB, and assembling the electronic components onto the PCB.

The raw materials used in PCB production include copper sheets, fiberglass sheets, and various chemicals for etching and plating. These materials are used to create the circuitry patterns on the PCB.

There are two main types of electronic components that can be mounted onto a PCB: thru-hole components and surface mount components. Thru-hole components have leads that are inserted through holes in the PCB and soldered to the other side, while surface mount components are soldered directly onto the surface of the PCB. The choice between thru-hole and surface mount components depends on the specific requirements of the device being produced.

Note

Please note that this document describes a two-part production of the PCB. To reduce costs, the through hole components are assembled manually as described here. Depending on your budget and the services offered by the manufacturing company, this can also be ordered in the production of the PCB.

Manufacturing files๐Ÿ”—

Files Description
Planktoscope-Hat-gerbers.zip The exported Gerber files for PCB fabrication
Planktoscope-Hat-bom.csv The list of used SMD components
Planktoscope-Hat.pdf The SMD assembly footprints
Planktoscope-Hat-PnP-front.txt Pick-and-place machine instructions

PCB manufacturing process๐Ÿ”—

Placing an order๐Ÿ”—

To order a PCB board including assembly, follow these steps:

  • Select a manufacturing company based on your local availability, budget, delivery dates, and services such as assembly.

Note

If you need assistance with selecting a company, contact us. We can provide you with a list of companies we have worked with in the past.

  • Create a customer account if you do not already have one. Ensure to specify the correct tax, contact, and delivery information.

Warning

It is especially crucial to provide correct contact information, including a phone number if possible. Most manufacturing companies provide excellent customer service and will be happy to assist you during the order process.

  • Create a project and select the quantity of PCB boards you need for production.
  • Configure the order based on the values specified in this document.
  • Upload the bill of material (BOM) and validate the component availability.

Warning

It is crucial that you use the exact IC's like the RTC and EEPROM we specified. If a component is "end of life" (EOL), do not hesitate to contact us so we can help you find an alternative solution. For all other components, you are welcome to choose alternatives providet by the manufacturing company.

Info

The component costs will now be calculated, and the price should be displayed.

  • Upload the gerber files provided as a zip file in the repository under the following link.
  • Upload the assembly instructions provided as a zip file in the repository under the following link.
  • Check that there are no missing references in your order configuration.
  • Place the order based on your delivery requirements.
  • Select a payment method and complete the order process.

Configuration๐Ÿ”—

The following configuration parameters can be used for the production of the PCB.

Info

Please note that the naming may vary depanding on the manufacturing company you used and are only intended to provide you with support. You can, of course, adjust the parameters as you see fit.

Board dimensions๐Ÿ”—

65 mm x 100 mm

Circuit specifications๐Ÿ”—
Property Value
Material FR4
Thickness 1.6 mm
Finish Chem. gold
Number of layers 2
Specific stackup sans
SMD sides top
Finished external copper thickness (ยต) 35 ยตm
Internal copper thickness (ยต) without
IPC Class Class 2
Solder mask๐Ÿ”—
Property Value
Solder mask TOP + BOT
Mask colour green
Peelable mask without
Marking๐Ÿ”—
Property Value
Silkscreen (ink) TOP + BOT
Ink colour white
ROHS marking without
UL marking without
Date marking without
Specific options๐Ÿ”—
Property Value
Space between tracks > 0.15 mm
Min. drill hole size > 0.20 mm
Blind via with out
Cross blind no
Burried via na
Impedance control no
Edge plating no
Press-fit no
Carbon without
Via Fill without
Beveled edge without
Contersunk holes without
Contersunk holes (qty/PCB) without
Metallographic section without
Gold fingers (thickness) without
Gold fingers (qty/PCB) without

Quality assurance๐Ÿ”—

To ensure the quality of the produced PCB, request data validation from the customer support team. They can provide you with image files like the following to visually verify the manufacturing files you provide.

Warning

This step must be requested directly after completing the order process and confirmed promptly. Otherwise, the delivery date will be postponed or the order may be put on hold completely.

Top๐Ÿ”—

Planktoscope-Hat-validation-top.png

Bottom๐Ÿ”—

Planktoscope-Hat-validation-bottom.png

Copper layer 1๐Ÿ”—

Planktoscope-Hat-validation-layer1.png

Copper layer 2๐Ÿ”—

Planktoscope-Hat-validation-layer2.png

Mechanical๐Ÿ”—

Planktoscope-Hat-validation-mechanical.png

Component placement๐Ÿ”—

Planktoscope-Hat-validation-component-placement.png

Assembly of the Thru-Hole components๐Ÿ”—

Thru-Hole Requirements๐Ÿ”—

Thru-Hole tools๐Ÿ”—
Thru-Hole parts๐Ÿ”—
Files Description
Planktoscope-Hat-bom-through-hole.csv The list of used SMD components

Warning

When you solder this for the first time, take special care not to damage the board.

Info

To learn how to solder we recommend you the awesome Comic "Soldering is easy" by Mitch Altmal, Andie Nordgren and Jeff Keyzer

Soldering of the stepper motor driver๐Ÿ”—

Unpack the motor driver and the connector strips and take the breadboard aside.


Plug the connectors with the appropriate distance to the breadboard.

Info

The breadboard supports you during soldering to ensure the spacing and angle of the connectors, alternatively you can also use a third hand.


Now position the motor driver on the connector strips of the beadboard.

Warning

Make sure that the larger chip labeled trimatik is positioned on the bottom of the board and the four smaller chips are positioned on the top of the board as shown in the picture.


Now solder all pins of the connector strip.

Info

Soldering is sometimes like eating with chopsticks ๐Ÿฅข. It takes a bit of practice, but with time you learn how to hold the workpiece in place with one free finger and apply the solder with another, and then use the other hand to move the soldering iron to the workpiece and solder it.

Tip

You can also solder one pin on one side and then the opposite one to fix your workpiece, this ensures that nothing accidentally moves.


Soldering of the motor driver sockets๐Ÿ”—

Now take the PlanktoScope Hat board and the female connector of the stepper motor driver and position them as shown in the picture.


Now put the previously soldered motor driver on the socket connector to fix it for the soldering process. Turn the board as shown in the picture and place it carefully.


Now solder all pins of the connector strip.

Info

Soldering is sometimes like eating with chopsticks ๐Ÿฅข. It takes a bit of practice, but with time you learn how to hold the workpiece in place with one free finger and apply the solder with another, and then use the other hand to move the soldering iron to the workpiece and solder it.

Tip

You can also solder one pin on one side and then the opposite one to fix your workpiece, this ensures that nothing accidentally moves.


Repeat the procedure with the second motor driver. The end result should look like this.


Soldering the connection sockets๐Ÿ”—

Now solder the motor driver sockets, inserting the connector into the holes as shown.


Turn the board over and hold the loose connector while soldering it. Repeat the procedure with the second motor connector.

Info

Soldering is sometimes like eating with chopsticks ๐Ÿฅข. It takes a bit of practice, but with time you learn how to hold the workpiece in place with one free finger and apply the solder with another, and then use the other hand to move the soldering iron to the workpiece and solder it.


Repeat the procedure with the power connector. The end result should look like this.


Repeat the procedure with the led connector. The end result should look like this.


Soldering the Raspberry Pi connector๐Ÿ”—

Now solder the Raspberry Pi header connector with all 20 pins.

Warning

Be extremely careful when soldering the connections, make sure you don't accidentally bridge several contacts because you used too much solder or have cold solder joints because you had too little solder or too little heat.


Install and solder the cooling fan๐Ÿ”—

Install the fan with the four screws and nuts.

Warning

Pay attention to the running direction with the arrow marking on the side of the fan. The fan should blow on the cooler of the Raspberry Pi.


Cut off the excess cable of the fan and leave about 6 cm.


Feed the fan cable through the hole provided, check if you can reach the contacts on the board without any problems and trim it further if necessary and enisolate the ends.


Solder the fan cables according to the marking and color codes โšซ GND, ๐Ÿ”ด VCC, ๐ŸŸก RPM, ๐Ÿ”ต PWM.

Note

If your fan doesn't have a ๐Ÿ”ต PWM connector, then that's not a problem, you can just leave it out.


Solder the display connector๐Ÿ”—

Insert the pin headers into the holes provided, hold them in place, carefully turn the board over and solder the connector.

Note

If you do not use an OLED display, you do not need to solder the connector.


Solder the configuration option jumpers๐Ÿ”—

Insert the pin headers into the holes provided, hold them in place, carefully turn the board over and solder the connector.

Note

If you do not use an OLED display, you do not need to solder the connector.


You have finished soldering the components๐Ÿ”—

The assembly of the thru-hole components for the planktoscope hat is now complete. The end result should look like this.


PlanktoScope Hard case๐Ÿ”—

Hard case Requirements๐Ÿ”—

Hard case tools๐Ÿ”—

  • double sided adhesive tape

Hard case parts๐Ÿ”—

  • Hard case

Case and double sided adhesive tape

Foam preparation๐Ÿ”—

Divide foam

Cut the foam block at the outer edge by gently tearing it apart with your fingers.

Warning

Be careful the foam tears easily and can not be repaired.

Tip

You can try in the middle of the foam block to see how the material can be cut through before you peel off with the edge.


Foam glue

Now lay a layer of two-sided adhesive tape on the upper inside edge of the case, with which we can later attach the show fabric.


Insert foam

Now insert the foam edge in to the case and glue it to the outer wall.

Note

Before you fix the foam, position it completely and check that it is placed flush with the edge of the case.


Kit composition๐Ÿ”—

Now divide all the components for the kit, and pack it in the hard case. You can find the full list of components for the kit in the v2.5 hardware BOM (Bill of Materials). However, this BOM does not include ordering links, since such links will need to be different for each country. If you've customized the v2.5 hardware BOM for your own v2.5 PlanktoScope kit (e.g. by finding and adding part ordering links from suppliers in your country for each component), please share your custom BOM to our GitHub Discussions thread for v2.5 Localized Hardware BOMs, so that other members of our community can learn from your work!