# 2. Dispensing Solder Paste

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Load the File

Download the following Gerber files for this step:

{% file src="/files/pZ0FzZQ6GXe0x2NPtXNT" %}

Jump into the **SOLDER** workflow, choose your solder paste, and then load the following voltage regulator solder paste file: Voltage\_Regulator\_Solder\_Paste.GTP

<figure><img src="/files/cEfWqnTE636WK2Ou23oC" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Your board should still be clamped in place from the previous step, but if you had to remove it, clamp the board down and mount the probe.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Locate Pads

<figure><img src="/files/3YXRU369xVaohsHWkSmr" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We need to align the V-One and locate the designated pads we want to dispense solder paste on:

1. Click the **MOVE TO FEATURE** button to start the pad location process.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the printer to the approximate location of the pad that is highlighted in the print preview. You do not need to align it perfectly just yet.
3. Click **LOWER** to drop the probe to the surface of the board.
4. Use the arrow keys to once again adjust the position of the probe. This time, position the probe in the center of the highlighted pad
5. Click **MEASURE** to confirm the pad location.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the second highlighted pad.

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

{% hint style="success" %}
Take your time! If the alignment is off, the solder paste will not print in the right spot.
{% endhint %}

After locating the pads, the V-One now has a pretty good idea of where the board is located.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Validate Pads

Before we get to printing the solder paste, use this step to make sure that the pad alignment is accurate.

Click on any pads in the print preview, and the printer will go to the center of the pad. If you notice that the position is off, press the **BACK** button and repeat the **Locate Pad** steps.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Calibrate

1. Select a few small pads close to the edge of the board by clicking and dragging or shift-clicking.
2. Click **START** to begin printing. Adjust the solder paste flow using **+** and **-** until the pads are completely covered, but not overflowing.
3. If there is too much paste, wipe the solder off the selected pads and decrease the flow.

<figure><img src="/files/Rb9yBGhlGQqfYwI7Su6B" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Keep repeating these steps until you are happy with the amount of solder paste being deposited.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Dispense solder paste

When you are happy with the amount of solder paste, select the remaining pads and press **Print**.

<figure><img src="/files/AGpJssR9hz0oGxKQ7pR9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/fkFJNkMTQNWKeqC91lt1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Now that we have dispensed solder paste, we can move on to populating the board with our components and reflowing.

Solder paste can be good for up to eight hours, but the best practice is to reflow as soon as possible after dispensing.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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