Search found 16 matches

by Picky
Wed Apr 20, 2016 6:22 am
Forum: Using the LitePlacer
Topic: gas for extending solderpaste print-to-place time?
Replies: 3
Views: 2631

Re: gas for extending solderpaste print-to-place time?

I have played with lots of different paste varieties but never actually tried to maximize the abandon time. My guess will be based on general knowledge of basic physics. You can try a few things in addition to refrigerating it. First is to minimize contact with oxygen by as much as possible. Purging...
by Picky
Fri Apr 01, 2016 3:03 am
Forum: Ideas and Feature Requests
Topic: BGA vision/placement demo
Replies: 30
Views: 17319

Re: BGA vision/placement demo

Certain higher-end stepper drives do employ DSP's with proprietary algorithms and claim they can make things happen. Most of them cost hundreds of dollars but some are available for well under $100. I just described one example in more details here: http://liteplacer.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=12&am...
by Picky
Thu Mar 31, 2016 5:20 am
Forum: Ideas and Feature Requests
Topic: concentric non-captive shafts for Z+A axes?
Replies: 9
Views: 5546

Re: concentric non-captive shafts for Z+A axes?

For Z, the play doesn't matter. The variation in tapes, trays and paste viscosity (which affects the placement z) are bigger, and you need a spring loaded tip anyway. For A, arrange the software so, that the specified position is always approached from the same direction. (Standard LitePlacer softw...
by Picky
Wed Mar 30, 2016 4:20 pm
Forum: Ideas and Feature Requests
Topic: concentric non-captive shafts for Z+A axes?
Replies: 9
Views: 5546

Re: concentric non-captive shafts for Z+A axes?

I guess one will need a bunch of encoders all around this thing to make it useful. Why? I mean encoders are always great if you have the budget for it. But if you don't, I can't see why this would need encoders to achieve the same accuracy as a conventional stepper+limitswitch design. Of course you...
by Picky
Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:21 am
Forum: Ideas and Feature Requests
Topic: concentric non-captive shafts for Z+A axes?
Replies: 9
Views: 5546

Re: concentric non-captive shafts for Z+A axes?

It's a nice design but I guess one will need a bunch of encoders all around this thing to make it useful. I've never seen anything like this implemented. If you want to go all out, google Anorad Cyclone. That Z-Theta actuator blows minds with speed and precision yet a major overkill for a garden var...
by Picky
Tue Mar 29, 2016 5:05 pm
Forum: Everything else
Topic: CNC software, which would use TinyG
Replies: 5
Views: 5248

Re: CNC software, which would use TinyG

... 5.5W is a miniscule amount of power... even the 40W laser tube is pretty small in my opinion ;) Mark, allow me to be a smartass and argue with the statement. CO2 laser tube produces IR light with ~10um wavelength. That blue/violet laser diode has a 445nm wavelength. Over 20x difference in energ...
by Picky
Tue Mar 29, 2016 8:57 am
Forum: Everything else
Topic: CNC software, which would use TinyG
Replies: 5
Views: 5248

Re: CNC software, which would use TinyG

The topic reminds me of the days when I was running Madell's PnP software on a $100k gantry and also wanted to use it as a precision milling machine from time to time. Madell was using some archaic and stupid DeskCNC 4-axis motion controller which was originally developed for cheap CNC. I managed to...
by Picky
Tue Mar 29, 2016 8:37 am
Forum: Using the LitePlacer
Topic: some camera advice/findings
Replies: 20
Views: 15444

Re: some camera advice/findings

... I've heard the advice to use red light before; do you know the reason for this? I thought it was a throwback from the days when all PCB soldermasks were always green (no other colors), so red light wouldn't illuminate the board as much. Is there some other reason why red is a "special"...
by Picky
Tue Mar 29, 2016 8:02 am
Forum: All Things SMD
Topic: Luer Lock to the Pickup Tube
Replies: 4
Views: 8260

Re: Luer Lock to the Pickup Tube

All things Luer - www.valueplastics.com, now http://www.nordsonmedical.com/products/luer_fittings.aspx This bondable "build-a-part" variety was really useful when I was prototyping custom nozzles in ABS, PC and Polysulfone: http://www.nordsonmedical.com/products/bondable_fittings.aspx They...
by Picky
Tue Mar 29, 2016 7:27 am
Forum: Ideas and Feature Requests
Topic: BGA vision/placement demo
Replies: 30
Views: 17319

Re: BGA vision/placement demo

...Those inductance to digital converters are pretty awesome to use. You can also use them for measuring fluids as the "core" of a helical inductor changes. ;) So many uses.. so little time!... Where were they five years ago?! I spent nearly a year developing contactless ultra-sensitive s...