Flow_Controller/scripts/Readme.md

Install kikit

Install kikit:

pipx install --system-site-packages kikit

KiKit Fixture Processor

Processing script for KiKit panelizes PCBs and draws a fixture sketch and positions the whole panel for easy CNC processing.

The script:

• Draws fixture reference geometry
• Centres the finished panel inside a predefined fixture frame
• Adds mechanical alignment pin holes
• Moves the finished panel to the origin (0, 0)

The resulting output is intended for repeatable CNC manufacturing workflows where drilling, routing, and UV exposure all share the same physical fixture and alignment holes.

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Usage

# Panelize the PCB using the preset defined in `myPreset.json`.
kikit panelize \
    -p myPreset.json \
    ../Flow_Controller.kicad_pcb \
    panel/Flow_Controller_Panel.kicad_pcb

Have a look at the new panel/Flow_Controller_Panel.kicad_pcb file. It will contain the panel out ot layout specified in myPreset.json. E.g.: Grid of 1 x 2 with space 2.1 mm.

    "layout": {
        "type": "grid",
        "rows": 1,
        "cols": 2,
        "hspace": "2.1mm",
        "vspace": "2.1mm"
    }

Exporting gcode files from KiCad

Adapt milling and drilling parameters in millproject. Look up pcb2gcode/wiki for help.

nano millproject

Make sure to set mirror-axis in the millproject to half of your board width!!!

Run the export by providing the .kicad_pcb file as a first argument:

./export.sh -o gcode panel/Flow_Controller_Panel.kicad_pcb

The script will first generate gerber files in the gerbers directory and then generate gcode files in the gcode directory.

Launch the gSender program.

• Load the gcode/drill.ngc file for drilling holes.
• Load the gcode/outline.ngc file for milling the board outlines.
• Load the gcode/back.ngc file if you want to mill the isolation traces.
• Load the gcode/front.ngc file if you want to mill the isolation traces.

Milling tip: Increase the thermal spoke and trace width

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.

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.