Open Source Heads

[Knochi]

Hi

I think this would be more for a V-two, but let me share my ideas.
There were already a few ideas regarding Camera or Pick'n'Place Attachments. But what if everyone can make his own attachments?

One would need a well documented hardware interface (mechanically and electrically) to build his own head.
Mechanics should be easy, just release the mechanical interface dimensions (place for the magnets, dimensions to the gear and the pogo-pins). Electrically I thing we need some kind of universal Interface... A good powersource (12V 30-40W), a usb plug and maybe a serial interface like I2C.

Beside of the camera and PnP attachment I'm thinking of

• pen holder, simple but useful... to put text or markings to the board. need a pen with a flexible tip commands to raise and lower it where it should write. Could be usefull to drill vias before applying conductive ink and then fill in advance.

• a drill head with suction. I didn't do the math until now but I think for drilling vias and pads for through hole components drills up to 1.5mm should cover the most parts. I think a 30W motor should do the job.

• an modified ink dispenser which is capable of filling vias. You should add a collision switch to make it possible to drive the tip into the via holes without risking a broken dispenser needle. This should be possible with the V-One already.

• a parking position with a cap. One should be able to put in the Dispenser with the cap attached. It is then removed by the printer itself and reatached after the work is done. make another grove next to the others for holding the cap (electromagnet?). Evertime i switch the attachment I'm frightened that i crush the tip somewhere.

P.S.:
you can find cheap "PCB Drill DIY Kits" at Aliexpress. This one looks nice.

Pls let me know what you think

Knochi

[Eriond]

Hi Knochi!

I too like you idea. As you already noticed, I've had similar ideas before.
Making a detailed mechanical head specification is do-able, however in order to make any attachment useful, you would need to interact with the Voltera software. For that we would need an API of some sort.
I've heard rumors that Voltera are looking at making their own attachments, so there might be a conflict of interests there, depending on their (Volteras) business model. I think a representative from Voltera can elaborate on that subject.
In case Voltera are open to the idea of 3rd-party add-ons, I'm sure you would see plenty of cool ideas realized in no time
Regarding your add-on suggestions, I think the pen is a really smart thing. I'm surprised no one has made it already. If a white ink felt-tip pen is used, you could make your own "silk screen" to facilitate component placement.
As for the via filling dispenser, I think it could be made by fitting a flexible tip to the standard syringe. There are interesting plastic material that are both (semi-)flexible and tough enough for the task. I have recently been 3D-printing with a plastic called TPU, that might be a candidate for such a tip (if I can manage to print it fine enough).
If the tip is flexible, there won't be the risk of breaking it if/when it touches the board. You could actually make it touch the surface on purpose, to create a tight coupling where conductive ink could be forced into the via hole. (think of spcecraft/spacestation docking, and you'll get the picture )
To sum it up; for any of these ideas to become reality, we need an API to send movement instructions and receive position info from. (hint, hint, Voltera )