Create Soldering Routes

The Solder Path Creator Dialog helps define and optimize soldering paths for Through-Hole Mount Technology (THT) components. It provides an overview of all THT components in the design, allowing users to set rules and automatically generate, review, and edit soldering paths.

Main Interface

Main Interface

  • Displays the current session with its settings and active step.
  • New sessions can be created via buttons or the context menu.
  • A session includes the selected step, assigned components, applied rules, and generated soldering paths.

Overview Soldering Route Dialog

Settings Tab

This tab manages soldering rules for components and packages:

  • Rule Selection:
    • Custom: Define specific rules for a component (and its inheriting objects).
    • Inherit: Use settings from the parent object.
  • End Offset: Defines the drag-off path length as a percentage of the nozzle width.
  • Nozzle Speed: Initial speed for all connected locations.
  • Pin Length: Determines the minimum spacing between pin rows to prevent solder bridges.
  • Safe Distance: Extra clearance beyond the nozzle width to avoid SMD component interference.
  • Soldering Nozzle:
    • Select from pre-loaded nozzles.
    • Multiple nozzles can be checked for optimal pathfinding.
  • Stay Time: Time the nozzle remains at key points (e.g., start locations or predefined spots).
  • Track Layout: Defines track connections within a component.

Overview Track Layout

Results Tab

  • The THT Components Table displays components with paths and their pin coverage status.
  • The Solder Tracks View shows each track and sub-track, which can be edited via drag-and-drop or direct value changes.
  • Users can manually add lines or locations by selecting a nozzle and using the Add Line or Add Location button.

ResultExampleSolderingRoutes

Import/Export

Sessions, settings, and results can be imported and exported individually for easy sharing and reuse.