78 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
78 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
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# Install kikit
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Install `kikit`:
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```bash
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pipx install --system-site-packages kikit
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```
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# KiKit Fixture Processor
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Processing script for KiKit panelizes PCBs and draws a fixture sketch and positions the whole panel for easy CNC processing.
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The script:
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- Draws fixture reference geometry
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- Centres the finished panel inside a predefined fixture frame
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- Adds mechanical alignment pin holes
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- Moves the finished panel to the origin `(0, 0)`
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The resulting output is intended for repeatable CNC manufacturing workflows
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where drilling, routing, and UV exposure all share the same physical fixture
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and alignment holes.
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Check the kikit panelization [examples](https://yaqwsx.github.io/KiKit/latest/panelization/examples/).
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---
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# Usage
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```bash
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# Panelize the PCB using the preset defined in `myPreset.json`.
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kikit panelize \
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-p myPreset.json \
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../Flow_Controller.kicad_pcb \
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panel/Flow_Controller_Panel.kicad_pcb
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```
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The new `panel/Flow_Controller_Panel.kicad_pcb` file will contain the panelized PCB with the following feature specified in `myPreset.json`. E.g.: Grid of 1 x 2 with space 2.1 mm, new mounting holes and fiducials.
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```json
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"layout": {
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"type": "grid",
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"rows": 1,
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"cols": 2,
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"hspace": "2.1mm",
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"vspace": "2.1mm"
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}
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```
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See all values in [default.json](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yaqwsx/KiKit/refs/heads/master/kikit/resources/panelizePresets/default.json)
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## Exporting gcode files from KiCad
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Adapt milling and drilling parameters in `millproject`. Look up [pcb2gcode/wiki](https://github.com/pcb2gcode/pcb2gcode/wiki) for help.
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```bash
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nano millproject
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```
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*Make sure to set `mirror-axis` in the `millproject` to half of your board width!!!*
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Run the export by providing the `.kicad_pcb` file as a first argument:
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```bash
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./export.sh panel/Flow_Controller_Panel.kicad_pcb
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```
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The script will first generate gerber files in the `gerbers` directory and then generate gcode files in the `gcode` directory.
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Launch the `gSender` program.
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* Load the `gcode/drill.ngc` file for drilling holes.
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* Load the `gcode/outline.ngc` file for milling the board outlines.
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* Load the `gcode/back.ngc` file if you want to mill the isolation traces.
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* Load the `gcode/front.ngc` file if you want to mill the isolation traces.
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## Milling tip: Increase the thermal spoke and trace width
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When routing for milling, use the widest traces possible. 1mm, 2mm and wider, the machine doesn't care, but later you won't be soldering leads to small fragile strips of copper. You can use copper pours for routing too.
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Set up the entire back side as one big GND pour. Then, increase the thermal spoke width to be larger than 1mm. This avoids small features and gives more room for error if a larger drill is used for the holes.
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