grabowski
046f66f6eb
- Add dedicated /kicad/ directory with organized subdirectories for libraries, schematics, gerbers, plots, and backups - Create comprehensive KiCad 9 library structure (symbols, footprints, 3D models) - Add manufacturing-ready directories for production files (gerbers, drill, pick-and-place) - Update all README files with KiCad-specific documentation and workflows - Add KiCad-optimized .gitignore file for proper version control - Create KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md comprehensive usage guide - Add hardware assembly documentation and BOM management - Include detailed manufacturing file generation instructions - Add docs structure with design-notes and user-manual directories - Provide complete workflow from design to manufacturing with quality checklists
/hardware/assembly
Assembly drawings and instructions for your KiCad project.
Purpose
This directory contains assembly-related documentation and drawings that help with the physical construction of your PCB:
- Assembly drawings
- Component placement guides
- Assembly instructions
- Pick and place references
File Types
.pdf: Assembly drawings and instructions.png/.jpg: Assembly photos and diagrams.txt/.md: Text-based assembly instructions.csv: Component placement data
Assembly Drawings from KiCad
- Open your PCB (
.kicad_pcb) - Go to File → Plot
- Select layers for assembly:
- F.Fab (Front Fabrication)
- B.Fab (Back Fabrication)
- F.SilkS (Front Silkscreen)
- B.SilkS (Back Silkscreen)
- Enable "Plot footprint values" and "Plot reference designators"
- Set output directory and plot
Recommended Assembly Files
assembly/
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Top.pdf # Top side assembly drawing
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Bottom.pdf # Bottom side assembly drawing
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Guide.pdf # Complete assembly instructions
├── ProjectName-Placement.csv # Component placement coordinates
├── assembly-photos/
│ ├── step1-power-components.jpg
│ ├── step2-mcu-section.jpg
│ └── step3-connectors.jpg
└── instructions/
├── assembly-checklist.md
├── soldering-notes.md
└── testing-procedure.md
Assembly Drawing Guidelines
- Include component reference designators
- Show component values where helpful
- Indicate polarity for polarized components
- Mark pin 1 locations for ICs
- Include assembly notes and warnings
- Use different colors for different component types
Assembly Instructions Content
- Component list: What components go where
- Assembly order: Sequence for efficient assembly
- Special procedures: Unique assembly steps
- Soldering notes: Temperature, time, flux requirements
- Testing points: Where to probe during assembly
- Troubleshooting: Common issues and solutions
Pick and Place Data
Generate component placement data for automated assembly:
- In KiCad PCB editor, go to File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement
- Configure format (CSV recommended)
- Include position, rotation, and side information
- Save to this directory
Quality Control
- Assembly checklist: Step-by-step verification
- Visual inspection: What to look for
- Electrical testing: Basic functionality tests
- Rework procedures: How to fix common mistakes
Best Practices
- Create assembly drawings at 1:1 scale when possible
- Use clear, high-contrast colors
- Include revision information
- Document any special tools required
- Provide multiple views for complex assemblies
- Include photos of completed assembly