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Solder is metal that glues the component to the board and it provides the connection between them. A PCB is made up of many layers of different materials, as shown in Figure 1.
Solder is metal that glues the component to the board and it provides the connection between them. A PCB is made up of many layers of different materials, as shown in Figure 1.
[[File:PCB Composition.png|center|PCB Composition]]
Figure 1 shows a 2-layer board, but more inner layers can be created by sandwiching multiple 2-layer substrates. If connections need to be made between layers, then holes need to be drilled then plated through inside with metal to make the connection between the layers (Figure 2). These holes are called vias. We are making a 2-layer through hole board, which means our components will have pins that pass through the PCB and will be soldered on the opposite side.
Figure 1 shows a 2-layer board, but more inner layers can be created by sandwiching multiple 2-layer substrates. If connections need to be made between layers, then holes need to be drilled then plated through inside with metal to make the connection between the layers (Figure 2). These holes are called vias. We are making a 2-layer through hole board, which means our components will have pins that pass through the PCB and will be soldered on the opposite side.
[[File:PCB internal routes.png|center|PCB Internal routes]]
Figure 2. PCB internal routes
Figure 2. PCB internal routes
# Turn on the machine by '''pressing''' it on/off switch at the back.
# Turn on the machine by '''pressing''' it on/off switch at the back.
[[File:ON/OFF switch of the machine .png|thumb|ON/OFF switch of the machine]]
Figure 3. ON/OFF switch of the machine
Figure 3. ON/OFF switch of the machine
# Turn on the compressor by '''turning''' the blue valve on the wall near the sink.
# Turn on the compressor by '''turning''' the blue valve on the wall near the sink.
[[File:Air compressor valve.png|thumb|Air compressor valve]]
Figure 4. Air compressor valve
Figure 4. Air compressor valve
# Start the LPFK software by '''clicking''' on the desktop shortcut or on [Start] → (All) [Programs] → [LPKF Laser & Electronics] → [CircuitPro PM]. The machine will automatically be initialized, and the following dialog will be displayed.
# Start the LPFK software by '''clicking''' on the desktop shortcut or on [Start] → (All) [Programs] → [LPKF Laser & Electronics] → [CircuitPro PM]. The machine will automatically be initialized, and the following dialog will be displayed.
[[File:Initialization dialog.png|center|Initialization dialog]]
Figure 5. Initialization dialog
Figure 5. Initialization dialog
# In the dialog that is displayed, you can select the template of your choice. For now, '''select''' the template DoubleSided_NoTHP.cbf in the tab Templates to create a double-sided PCB.
# In the dialog that is displayed, you can select the template of your choice. For now, '''select''' the template DoubleSided_NoTHP.cbf in the tab Templates to create a double-sided PCB.
[[File:New document creation.png|center|New document creation]]
Figure 6. New document creation
Figure 6. New document creation
The dialog will close, and the user interface will change as follows:
The dialog will close, and the user interface will change as follows:
[[File:Initial user interface.png|center|Initial user interface]]
Figure 7. Initial user interface
Figure 7. Initial user interface
# Whenever the machine or the software has not been shut down properly. The last tool status is unknown. If that happens, you will be prompted to put down the tool possibly being in the collet into the corresponding tool holder.
# Whenever the machine or the software has not been shut down properly. The last tool status is unknown. If that happens, you will be prompted to put down the tool possibly being in the collet into the corresponding tool holder.
[[File:Tool holder prompt.png|center|Tool holder prompt]]
Figure 8. Tool holder prompt
Figure 8. Tool holder prompt