Altium: How to prepare pcb/sch output for easier assembly  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cmcraeslo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 11:45:21 am
content: Hey.This is the first time I have more boards to assemble. It's not a "pick & place" quantity, but rather the quantity (10) that I would send to external assembler. What seemed very easy task, it became a problem soonI dont know how to generate the pcb/sch so someone will be able to assemble the board without altium. I don't want to send sch/pcb altium documents and I don't find Smart PDF or any other altium pcb output very useful. I do not have any designators on the pcb so it's very tricky to assemble this.For me, optimal solution would be that I could generate TOP and BOTTOM board for each component name+value (with highlighted components on each side)For example, Resistor+100nF: and then highlighted components on TOP layer and highlighted components on BOTTOM layer.This would be combined in one pdf file, one page for each component.Does this solution exist? Maybe with some external script?Thanks!This would make assembling this very easy. Is it possible to do this?

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 11:54:37 am
content: What you want to send over is the Bill of material *AKA BOM. And the assembly drawing. And also make the pick and place, it might still help. A few gerber files, like the IPC land or top pad master can help also.

author: cmcraeslo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 11:59:39 am
content: I'm aware of those options.. but I find this very hard to assemble, almost impossible. On the assembly drawing there are no designators on my pcb so only way is to look through all components and place it on the board. For example, there are like 50 100nF capacitors, once as C1 and then, 10 lines lower, C10 and so on. This is crazy work! I'd rather place all 100nF at once.I must believe simpler way exists

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 12:11:28 pm
content: Is this conventional through hole? If not, you send this:- BOM, bill of material,+ with complete manufacturer part numbers,+ one or two alternative parts+ or comments on the specs of the alternative, or why no alternative at all+ whereyoubuy them. They often have discounts or direct contacts.- Gerber files, they need to order the PCB to fit in their trays/conveyors/pick&placers.- Pick&Place file. Although, some don't use it.(- additional mechanical assembly instructions)They'll reply with a price, and you have to say yes. They order all stuff, and in (6 to 8 with urgent price) ~12 weeks you have your boards.Or get an intern going with this tool:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/smt-assistant-software-for-handplacing-parts-free-and-awesome/msg873696/#msg873696http://www.alciom.com/en/downloads/free-downloads/123-smtassistant-software.html

author: cmcraeslo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 12:17:43 pm
content: No, they are no througholes (atleast none that I would want assembled anyway).I was thinking more of buying the components and then look for some enthusiast to help me with the boards. I'm not interested in professional companies just yet.Also, this question is not for them only, it would make my life much easier if I was able to generate such output so I could assemble the prototypes much faster. Going back and forth in altium while assembling the board is time consuming and far from optimal.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 02:41:25 pm
content: Ah, it's not commercial.Then you use the SMT Assitant tool linked above.You output a CSV type coordinate pick&place list, and a bitmap image of your PCB, setup the smt assistant and start assembling.It sorts your components value and footprint, so you easily place one bag of parts per step.

author: Spikee
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 04:22:40 pm
content: It is really easy to automatically place the desginators in the middle of the components for the assembly house / for you personally.Use pcb filter "IsDesignator" -> select allpcb inspector uncheck the hide option, change text height and width to something smalland play around with the auto-position function. I just put it on center.export the gerber layer as pdf and you'll automagically have a silkscreen print out with designator on it for assembly(china PCBA people love this).

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2016, 04:59:13 pm
content: Its cheaper on the long run to order boards with silkscreen. The assembly drawing will have the designators on the components, even if the PCB doesn't. Generate a separate output for each side. Just print it on A3 or bigger so everything is easy to find.You can also group components based on their ID manufacturer number or identifier, so each 100nF cap will be the same row. Print the BOM also, have it with you when you assemble it. Mark every bag of component you have based on line number or designator.For 10 board with ~100 components, it might be worth to send to a manufacturer. I dealt with small companies, assembling prototype quantities. I had quotes with less than 100-200 EUR for assembly.