Questions about our products?

Let’s get down to brass FAQs.

General

NOVA

V-One

All FAQs

Solder Paste & Reflow

Ink & Printing

Software

Shipping

Other

Solder Paste & Reflow

How long does it take to paste and reflow?

Once you tell the software where the board is mounted, the V-One will take about 5-10 minutes to dispense paste.Components need to be placed by hand, but once they are placed, reflowing the board only takes about 2 or 3 minutes.

Why is the spec different for solder paste and conductive ink?

Simply put, because solder paste is much more forgiving than conductive ink. Solder paste tends to be drawn to the components during the reflow process so we can reliably dispense on smaller pads.

What's the difference between T4 and T5 solder paste?

The main difference between T4 and T5 solder paste is the particle size of the tiny balls of solder suspended in the flux. For T4 paste, most of the solder particles will range from about 20-38 μm. For T5 paste, the range is about 10-25 μm. If you want to learn more, watch this video we made about solder paste.

Does the solder paste contain lead?

Nope! Elemental analysis of our solder paste alloy shows a 0.01% trace amount of lead. This is well below the maximum of 0.07% required by IPC J-STD-006-B for lead-free solder. The conductive ink and solder wire are also lead free. Download the MSDS to learn more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKiR9WMrUaU

‍

Am I limited in what components I can use?

We can dispense solder paste down to 0402 components and although we officially support a 0.5 mm pin to pin pitch, some of our users have dispensed on 0.4 mm pitch IC's without difficulty. We have also dispensed on BGA components reliably.

Can I use my own paste and reflow profile?

The heated bed can reach a maximum temperature of 240°C (464°F) in about 2 minutes. If you use your own solder paste you can manually control the temperature to follow your own reflow profile. If you want to use the V-One mainly for solder paste dispensing of fabbed boards, we offer a special solder alloy for boards with a lead based HASL finish.

How long does a paste cartridge last?

A single solder paste cartridge will allow you to dispense up to 11,000 0603 solder pads.The solder paste cartridge has an official shelf life of 8 months and should be stored in the refrigerator when not used.

Ink & Printing

On the V-One, sometimes ink leaks around the piston. Does NOVA still have piston rupture problems?

On the V-One, sometimes ink leaks around the piston. We call this problem 'piston rupture'. It can happen when the ink cartridge barrel deforms because of the dispenser sheath, so applying force to the piston will break the seal in the cartridge. This can affect the print quality because dispensing on the V-One is entirely open-loop displacement-based dispensing, so any situation where ink can leak backwards will affect the desired flow rate of the ink. On NOVA, we've addressed this problem in a few ways:

•Cartridges are not constrained as tightly as they are in the V-One, so the syringe barrel doesn't deform.

•The plunger design is different, and applies pressure more evenly around the piston.

•NOVA's dispenser module has an in-line pressure sensor, so the displacement adjusts automatically to maintain the correct flow rate.

What's the longest nozzle I can use?

In general, use a nozzle that is shorter than 30mm for the dispensing tip. The limiting factor for the nozzle length is the distance from the bottom of the pressure sensor (when installed) to the top of the XYZ positioner. A nozzle NOVA uses luer lock nozzles, which means that any nozzle will have a luer hub. The size and length of this luer hub varies, but is typically around 20mm. With the luer hub added, your nozzle (end-to-end) should be no longer than 50mm.

How fast does NOVA's smart dispenser heat up?

For a typical 35°C target temperature, the dispenser will typically take about 2-3 minutes to heat up. The heating rate for the smart dispenser between 30°C to 35°C is about 2.8°C per minute.

What nozzles can I use with the dispenser module?

Any luer-tapered nozzle that is shorter than ~30mm can be used with the dispenser module. We recommend using either Voltera or Subrex brand nozzles (available through Voltera), which have diameters down to 50um. Other brands of nozzles (not supplied by Voltera) are not guaranteed to provide high-quality prints, as each will have its own geometry, pressure, and particle size requirements.We generally recommend starting with our 150um nozzles when using a new material.

What is the tallest/thickest object I can mount?

The maximum travel distance between the gantry and the mounting plate is 40mm. However, the maximum substrate height/thickness will also depend on the tool configuration. For example, if you select a long luer syringe tip, you will need to account for the additional travel distance.

What is the largest substrate that I can mount?

As long as your substrate can be mounted firmly and securely, the maximum substrate size is ~39 cm (15”) in the y-axis, and unconstrained in the x-axis. While the accessible print area and mounting area is approximately 8”x11”, NOVA is open on the sides to allow an arbitrarily large substrate in the X-axis (as long as it is supported well). In the Y-axis, the substrate size is constrained to the area behind the sensor plate.

Why do you use rivets instead of dispensing ink in the through holes?

We use copper rivets for a couple of reasons. First: structural stability. Having a solid copper sleeve through your board is going to be much sturdier than cured ink. Second: hand soldering. Working with copper rivets allows for a nice solid metal surface to solder to, making hand soldering much easier.

Can I dispense my own custom inks?

Your mileage may vary, and you're definitely in adventure mode. Much of custom ink printing is trial and error, and dependent on the material properties of your custom formulation, so accuracy and reliability are impossible to promise. In very general terms, materials that you can screen print are the best place to start, but we can't guarantee that something will or won't work. Many of our power users do dispense custom inks, so if you have questions about specific materials reach out to Voltera using the in-app support chat and we'll help you through it.

https://www.voltera.io/blog?filter=adventure-mode

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How does this ink compare to copper?

The bulk resistivity of our ink is 9.5E-7 Ohms.m and the sheet resistance under typical conditions is 12 mOhms/sq. It is among the best conductive inks on the market. While it is not as conductive as copper, it is capable of handling almost all digital and analog applications.

Are there frequency or current limitations?

An 8 month research partnership with the University of Alberta demonstrated the ink will perform on par with standard copper up to 5 GHz! To learn about conductivity considerations, visit this article in our support docs.

Am I limited in what components I can use?

We recommend you stick with through-hole for large components like connectors, but use surface mount components for resistors and capacitors.For passive components, we can dispense ink down to 0402 pads. For IC's, although we officially support 0.8 mm pin to pin pitch, 0.65mm has been shown to work reliably.

Does the ink deteriorate over time?

We've tested our printed PCBs under 100mA load for 4 months in ambient, high-temperature (60°C) and low-temperature (5°C) environments, with no detectable change in performance.

How long does an ink cartridge last?

A single ink cartridge will allow you to print up to 85 Hello World boards. This also equates to 100 m of conductive trace at 8 mil width, or 200 cm2 of solid pour. The number of boards you are able to print will depend on size and complexity of the circuits you are building.The ink cartridge has an official shelf life of 12 months and should be stored in the refrigerator when not used.

Software

How much more powerful is NOVA's brain for launch vs beta hardware?

NOVA's launch version includes a dramatically more powerful compute module. While our beta hardware is based on the RPi 3B+, we've upgraded NOVA's brain to run on the NVIDIA Jetson platform. Along with a 100x improvement in baseline calculation performance (473 GFLOPS vs. 5.3 GFLOPS) for faster toolpath processing, the new compute module is also AI-enabled with a built-in NVIDIA GPU, which we plan to leverage for all kinds of enhancements.The new compute module is at least 100x times more powerful, illustrated by the following benchmarks:RPi 3B+ 5.3 GFLOPS (max performance)Nvidia Jetson Nano 473 GFLOPS (max performance)

How do people with secure wifi networks use NOVA?

Customers who use secure wifi networks, such as NASA, use a mobile hotspot. These can be purchased affordably, and they broadcast a wifi network connected to LTE. That way there’s no downtime and NOVA never connects directly to your secure network.

Does the software support multiple languages?

Yes, you can use the Voltera V-One software in six different languages: English, French, Korean, Arabic, Spanish and Russian.

Can I use the software in an offline environment?

Absolutely. Just keep in mind that this will throttle your access to the in-app support chat and automatic updates for your printer.

Is the software complicated to use?

We hate it when a perfectly good piece of equipment sits on a shelf collecting dust because no one knows how to operate it. That won't happen with the V-One. At Voltera, we're obsessed with user experience and take it very seriously. We've gone to great lengths and invested a lot of time in making sure your first print experience is a pleasant one. Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, engineer, or rocket scientist, we made the software friendly and easy for everyone to use.

Does it update automatically?

Think of apps on your phone. Your software will automatically update with new features, bug fixes, and user experience upgrades. Many of the updates come directly from our users suggestions. Check out our release notes to learn more.

Is the software free?

Yep! The software is required to operate the V-One. You can download a copy of it here.

Do I have to learn a new CAD tool?

The Voltera software allows you to use whatever CAD tool you are already comfortable with! You can use EAGLE, Altium, KiCad, Mentor Graphics, Cadence, DipTrace and more! Just export your designs as Gerbers and upload to our software. Easy as that!

Shipping

Are taxes and duties included?

No. Since these rates are unique to each country, all applicable duties and taxes are payable upon receipt of the product. Normally when the shipment reaches your country, our courier will contact you to arrange the payment of duties and taxes to clear customs.

Can I use my own shipping account?

We have worked closely with our fantastic shipping partners to get the best rates for your orders. If you want to ship with your account or if you have special shipping requirements, please contact sales@voltera.io before you place your order. The V-One ships as two boxes: A large one (19 × 13 × 11 in, 9.1 Kg) and a small one. (5 × 4 × 2 in, 100 g)

How can I pay?

If you want to pay with credit card, you can do so directly on our store. If you want to pay with a bank transfer, please send your PO to sales@voltera.io and we'll provide you our banking details.

What is the cost to ship to my country?

For consumable shipping, we charge a flat fee of $20 USD worldwide. V-One shipping starting from $25 USD to ship within Canada. V-One shipping starting from $125 USD to ship to the USA. V-One shipping starting from $300 USD to ship international (not all countries supported). For 3 or more printers, please contact sales@voltera.io

Other

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes. Contact sales@voltera.io.

I'm an ink manufacturer. Can you help?

We are always exploring new inks and partnerships. Please contact support@voltera.io with your contact information. Thank you!

I'd like to be a reseller for Voltera

We love resellers! Head over to our reseller page and fill out the form to get started. We'll be in touch!

Do you provide an electronics curriculum?

We want to! If you have ideas or are able to help make this dream a reality, please contact hello@voltera.io. Thank you!

What is your warranty policy?

We offer a two year warranty from date of delivery. More information can be found in our Terms of Service.

Do you provide education discounts?

Yes! Since consumables can be used up quickly when many students are using the V-One, we offer a discount on our common consumable materials. Reach out to sales@voltera.io to find out more.

Does the V-One mill the substrate as well?

The V-One only drills the substrate - meaning, you can create a hole through your substrate which is the same size as the drill bit you select. The V-One does not support routing or milling.

Does the V-One pick-and-place components?

The V-One currently does not have an integrated pick-and-place, so components must be placed by hand. The V-One has been designed to be a prototyping tool. At these volumes setting up a pick and place machine can take more time and effort than manual placement.

Can I use the V-One to dispense on pre-populated boards?

Yes, but only single-sided boards with a maximum height below 7mm, to accomodate the z-axis clearance of the V-One.

How thick of a substrate can I use on the V-One's platform?

The maximum board thickness for the V-One clamps is 3mm. Check our our full tool spec to learn more.

Can it print more than two layers?

While multi-layer additive electronics is a dream for Voltera, and we're working hard to enable this functionality, currently we only support 2 layer boards.

What is the print area of the V-One?

128mm x 116mm (5.0" x 4.5"). Visit our specs page for full product details.

Can the V-One make vias and through holes?

Yes! The V-One comes with a drill attachment. The V-One Drill makes double sided boards easy to create and comes with all the drill bits, rivets and other accessories you need to get started. Learn more about it here!

How long does it take to make a board?

It's very quick! A simple board like the Hello World will take about 5 minutes to print, 30 minutes to bake (the ink needs to be dried), and depending on how fast you place your components about 30 minutes to dispense solder paste and reflow. You can comfortably make a simple single layer board in two to three hours.

All FAQs

Solder Paste & Reflow

Ink & Printing

Software

Shipping

Other

Solder Paste & Reflow

No items found.

Ink & Printing

On the V-One, sometimes ink leaks around the piston. Does NOVA still have piston rupture problems?

•Cartridges are not constrained as tightly as they are in the V-One, so the syringe barrel doesn't deform.

•The plunger design is different, and applies pressure more evenly around the piston.

•NOVA's dispenser module has an in-line pressure sensor, so the displacement adjusts automatically to maintain the correct flow rate.

What's the longest nozzle I can use?

How fast does NOVA's smart dispenser heat up?

For a typical 35°C target temperature, the dispenser will typically take about 2-3 minutes to heat up. The heating rate for the smart dispenser between 30°C to 35°C is about 2.8°C per minute.

What nozzles can I use with the dispenser module?

What is the tallest/thickest object I can mount?

What is the largest substrate that I can mount?

Software

How much more powerful is NOVA's brain for launch vs beta hardware?

How do people with secure wifi networks use NOVA?

Shipping

No items found.

Other

I'm an ink manufacturer. Can you help?

We are always exploring new inks and partnerships. Please contact support@voltera.io with your contact information. Thank you!

I'd like to be a reseller for Voltera

We love resellers! Head over to our reseller page and fill out the form to get started. We'll be in touch!

Do you provide an electronics curriculum?

We want to! If you have ideas or are able to help make this dream a reality, please contact hello@voltera.io. Thank you!

What is your warranty policy?

We offer a two year warranty from date of delivery. More information can be found in our Terms of Service.

All FAQs

Solder Paste & Reflow

Ink & Printing

Software

Shipping

Other

Solder Paste & Reflow

How long does it take to paste and reflow?

Why is the spec different for solder paste and conductive ink?

Simply put, because solder paste is much more forgiving than conductive ink. Solder paste tends to be drawn to the components during the reflow process so we can reliably dispense on smaller pads.

What's the difference between T4 and T5 solder paste?

Does the solder paste contain lead?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKiR9WMrUaU

‍

Am I limited in what components I can use?

Can I use my own paste and reflow profile?

How long does a paste cartridge last?

Ink & Printing

Why do you use rivets instead of dispensing ink in the through holes?

Can I dispense my own custom inks?

https://www.voltera.io/blog?filter=adventure-mode

‍

How does this ink compare to copper?

Are there frequency or current limitations?

Am I limited in what components I can use?

Does the ink deteriorate over time?

We've tested our printed PCBs under 100mA load for 4 months in ambient, high-temperature (60°C) and low-temperature (5°C) environments, with no detectable change in performance.

How long does an ink cartridge last?

Software

Does the software support multiple languages?

Yes, you can use the Voltera V-One software in six different languages: English, French, Korean, Arabic, Spanish and Russian.

Can I use the software in an offline environment?

Absolutely. Just keep in mind that this will throttle your access to the in-app support chat and automatic updates for your printer.

Is the software complicated to use?

Does it update automatically?

Is the software free?

Yep! The software is required to operate the V-One. You can download a copy of it here.

Do I have to learn a new CAD tool?

Shipping

Are taxes and duties included?

Can I use my own shipping account?

How can I pay?

If you want to pay with credit card, you can do so directly on our store. If you want to pay with a bank transfer, please send your PO to sales@voltera.io and we'll provide you our banking details.

What is the cost to ship to my country?

Other

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes. Contact sales@voltera.io.

I'm an ink manufacturer. Can you help?

We are always exploring new inks and partnerships. Please contact support@voltera.io with your contact information. Thank you!

I'd like to be a reseller for Voltera

We love resellers! Head over to our reseller page and fill out the form to get started. We'll be in touch!

Do you provide an electronics curriculum?

We want to! If you have ideas or are able to help make this dream a reality, please contact hello@voltera.io. Thank you!

What is your warranty policy?

We offer a two year warranty from date of delivery. More information can be found in our Terms of Service.

Do you provide education discounts?

Yes! Since consumables can be used up quickly when many students are using the V-One, we offer a discount on our common consumable materials. Reach out to sales@voltera.io to find out more.

Does the V-One mill the substrate as well?

The V-One only drills the substrate - meaning, you can create a hole through your substrate which is the same size as the drill bit you select. The V-One does not support routing or milling.

Does the V-One pick-and-place components?

Can I use the V-One to dispense on pre-populated boards?

Yes, but only single-sided boards with a maximum height below 7mm, to accomodate the z-axis clearance of the V-One.

How thick of a substrate can I use on the V-One's platform?

The maximum board thickness for the V-One clamps is 3mm. Check our our full tool spec to learn more.

Can it print more than two layers?

While multi-layer additive electronics is a dream for Voltera, and we're working hard to enable this functionality, currently we only support 2 layer boards.

What is the print area of the V-One?

128mm x 116mm (5.0" x 4.5"). Visit our specs page for full product details.

Can the V-One make vias and through holes?

How long does it take to make a board?

Questions about our products?

Solder Paste & Reflow

Ink & Printing

Software

Shipping

Other

Solder Paste & Reflow

Ink & Printing

Software

Shipping

Other

Solder Paste & Reflow

Ink & Printing

Software

Shipping

Other

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