# 1. Printing the Circuit

{% hint style="info" %}
If you forgot how to prepare your V-One and the materials, [click here for a recap.](https://docs.voltera.io/docs/v-one/getting-started/hello-world-project/3.-getting-started-with-your-first-print)
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Select the Print workflow

Download the following Gerber file for this step:

{% file src="/files/LtAHWYegbCVoT4W3HBjh" %}

1. Select the **Print** workflow.
2. Click **Simple.**
3. Select your Ink.
4. Click “**Choose file**”
5. Load the Voltage Regulator Gerber file.
6. Wait for the circuit to load.
7. Click **Next.**

<figure><img src="/files/wP2Xh2VwdwqA6r2Cnhtr" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Clamp the board

1. Secure the board underneath the clamp ledges, and push the clamps inward against the board. The notches should be facing the board.
2. Screw down the clamps so that the provided thumb screws are finger-tight.
3. Make sure the board is fully secured.

<figure><img src="/files/ldqlxMvgXIjgcuRPay0C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Mount the probe

Mount the probe by placing the lower magnets first, and then allowing the top magnets to connect to the rails. The contact pads at the back of the probe should be aligned with the probe contact pins on the carriage.

<figure><img src="/files/PFmFj11wd7pJmIzazXoC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Don't remove the Probe or Dispensers unless prompted by the Software! If you need to do so for any reason, click the **home** button to re-calibrate before proceeding.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Position the circuit

In this step, V-One will ensure that there is a clear print area on the clamped board. The probe tip will outline the boundary of the area to be printed. If the probe outline doesn't fall within the board boundaries, click and drag the circuit to adjust the position and outline again.

<figure><img src="/files/2TNLXD8KSTlmPSpTkM6l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
You can also press the “rotate” 90-degree button to turn the whole file in 90-degree increments if you’ve put your board vertically.
{% endhint %}

Once satisfied with the position of the circuit, proceed to the next step.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Probe the board

V-One will now automatically generate a height map of the board’s surface. This height map is essential for quality printing. Click **Probe** and wait for V-One to complete probing. All the probe points will turn blue once finished.

<figure><img src="/files/Ks0UKlUgOGm9ctcjIQiP" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you need to move the board for any reason after this step, you must return and RE-PROBE.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Assemble the dispenser

Be sure the dispenser’s plunger is fully retracted before assembling. If the plunger is too far out, it can push ink out during assembly.

1. Remove the coloured cap and lid from the ink cartridge.&#x20;
2. Carefully twist the nozzle onto the end of the cartridge.
3. Insert the conductive ink cartridge into the sheath with the ink level visible through the viewing window.
4. Reinsert the dispensing unit back into the cartridge sheath, twisting 90° to lock it in place.
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Prime the dispenser

Priming the conductor is important to confirm good ink flow before dispensing.

1. Slowly turn the gear counterclockwise until you feel resistance (this is the dispensing plunger hitting the ink).
2. Keep turning until you push a tiny amount of ink out of the nozzle.
3. Rotate the gear ¼ turn clockwise to stop the flow of ink.
4. Wait until the ink stops leaking from the nozzle and gently wipe the nozzle clean.
5. Mount the dispenser on the carriage.

<figure><img src="/files/yoQCVaIoGMfu8Y5ad7JR" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Calibrate material

{% hint style="warning" %}
Calibrating the conductor will determine the resolution of your print, so pay close attention to this step and take your time!&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Click **CALIBRATE** to print the calibration pattern.

<figure><img src="/files/qA6EQr14lF2fsAbaUuqo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use the curved lines to make sure enough ink is coming out. Then, adjust the horizontal lines so they are not touching – even a small gap is enough!

You can adjust the width of the printed lines while printing by controlling the amount of ink dispensed with the **+** and **-** buttons:

<figure><img src="/files/BQm3Up1WcNJ4L7zJDQwU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **+** button dispenses more ink by a tiny amount. It will make the lines thicker.

The **-** button dispenses less ink by a tiny amount. It will make the lines thinner.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Print

<figure><img src="/files/6K5enuS8nOD1pJUSLYwY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After you have a print that you are happy with, cure the ink using the default **Bake** setting for the ink you have chosen.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Baking

{% hint style="danger" %}
The V-One gets hot! Do not touch the printer while it's glowing red.
{% endhint %}

Your circuit is printed, but we can’t do much with wet ink… that’s what baking is for! We are about to dry the conductive ink. Remove the conductive ink dispenser from the carriage. Cap the dispenser, and store it in a refrigerator.

Now when you are ready press the **START** button to begin baking.

<figure><img src="/files/vZJKrzPM03Yuz2R1wWxW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When you are ready to assemble your circuit, continue to the next page where we lead you through the V-One solder paste and reflow features.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.voltera.io/docs/v-one/learn-v-one/v-one-projects/voltage-regulator-project/1.-printing-the-circuit.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.