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4. Camera & Nozzle Calibration

The configuration file for CC1 already includes camera configurations with small error. Therefore, we can generally skip some of the primary calibration steps for both the top and bottom cameras and directly use the OpenPnP Advanced Calibration to achieve even better camera correction results.

You can still use the simple, primary calibration method to complete the setup and use the machine with reasonably good accuracy.

Note

  1. Advanced calibration takes a longer time, with the complete process typically requiring 20-30 minutes.

  2. During advanced calibration, continuous visual recognition is required, which may easily fail due to excessive recognition errors, necessitating a restart.

  3. To improve success rates and reduce vibration, it is recommended to lower OpenPnP's overall operational speed to 50%-75% during the following process.

  4. Before beginning, external interference factors should be reduced. The most common issue is the strong light source above the bottom camera. If necessary, turn off the light source, move the machine's position, or even add a top shield.

1. Calibration Tools

CalibrationTool-1: This tool is used for TopCam visual advanced calibration. Mount the 1st_calib_board and 2nd_calib_board PCB boards together using 4 * M3X6 screws, ensuring both white dots face upward. These two white dots are used for TopCam recognition at different heights.

CalibrationTool-2: White small disc, used for Nozzle Offset calibration of the N1 nozzle. During calibration, the white disc will be repeatedly picked and placed by the nozzle, and recognized by TopCam.

CalibrationTool-3: CN040 or CN065 nozzle tip, used for BottomCam visual advanced calibration.

2. Top Camera Advanced Calibration

Fix CalibrationTool-1 to the center position of the PCB Holder, ensuring that both white dots face upward.

Lower OpenPnP's overall operational speed to 50%-75% during this process.

Machine Setup > Heads > ReferenceHead H1> Calibration Rig

Set the position and height of the two dots, use TopCam to focus on the dots and capture the X Y coordinates, then install the tip and lower the Z-axis until the tip makes contact with two surface to obtain the Z coordinates. Apply the settings.

The lower dot is the Primary Fiducial, and the higher one is the Secondary Fiducial:

Machine Setup > Heads > Cameras > TopCam > Advanced Calibration

Check “Enable the advanced calibration...” at the top.

Click the Start Calibration button then follow the instructions step by step to complete the TopCam advanced calibration process. If an error message appears, please retry.

3. Nozzle Offset Advanced Calibration

3.1 Basic Nozzle Offset Setting

Use the inkpad, sticker, and nozzle tip to carry out the basic Nozzle Offset setting.

This step is optional. If the initial Nozzle Offset error doesn't differ significantly from the default value in the configuration file, you can skip this step.

3.2 Advanced Nozzle Offset Setting

Install a black/dark PCB on the center of the PCB Holder, you can continue to use the 1st_calib_board. Place the small white disc (CalibrationTool-2) onto the center of the PCB. You can also use a self-made paper disc (OD 6-8mm), but it should not be too flimsy.

Lower OpenPnP's overall operational speed to 50%-60% during this process. For this step, use a larger nozzle tip to ensure stable pickup, for example, you can use CN220. Additionally, note that the small white disc should not have unintended movement during the pick-and-place process (due to vibration, etc.). If such movement occurs, the speed should be reduced.

Issues & Solutions > (Include Solved)> ReferenceNozzle N1> Calibrate precise camera nozzle N1 offset

Follow the instructions to complete the calibration. If an error message appears, please retry.

4. Bottom Camera Advanced Calibration

4.1 Initial Bottom Camera Position

To facilitate subsequent advanced calibration, we will first do an initial setup of the Bottom Camera Position.

Load a small tip (CN040/CN065) onto the Nozzle bottom, then home the machine (with Visual Homing enabled).

Keep the Z-axis to Z=0 height, then use the Jog panel to move the tip to the center of the crosshair in the BottomCam's field of view.

Capture the coordinate of the tip and apply it as the BottomCam position.

Note: For CC1, the BottomCam's Z-coordinate defaults to Z=0, not the PCB height.

4.1 Bottom Camera Advanced Calibration

Manually load a small tip (CN065) onto the Nozzle, then perform a Homing (with Visual Homing). Lower OpenPnP's overall operational speed to 50%-75% during this process.

Machine Setup > Heads > Cameras > TopCam > Advanced Calibration

Check “Enable the advanced calibration...” at the top.

Click the Start Calibration button then follow the instructions step by step to complete the BottomCam advanced calibration process. If an error message appears, please retry.

5. Finish The Machine Settings

You have completed all the critical machine setup. Now, all that's left is to configure a few feeders, and you'll be ready to start your first job.

Congratulations!