Author Topic: PCB routing  (Read 4042 times)

Offline PK

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PCB routing
« on: April 14, 2017, 08:15:21 AM »
I used to make 4 or 5 boards a week using photographic techniques, then it was 10-20 a week, then board fab shops in china started offering boards for 50c a pop with no setup costs and  7 day turn times (including delivery)....

This is great, but two or three times a year I still need a PCB now...
Problem is that the emulsions and chemicals just don't store for any length of time, so it turns into a disappointing process..

I thought I'd give isolation routing a go in the X3 with the 60Krpm sub spindle.

It went well enough that I've ordered bits to take it to the next level.

Lessons learned:
  • Generic engraving cutters aren't close to well enough balanced to run at more than 30KRPM.
  • Small (0.5mm) carbide endmills work wel (used a v cutter in the attached).
  • A vacuum hold down fixture is important for keeping the stock flat..


Offline PK

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Re: PCB routing
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2017, 09:40:07 PM »
Say hello to my little friend!

Offline awemawson

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Re: PCB routing
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2017, 02:37:17 AM »
It makes you wonder how they make them?
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline Joules

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Re: PCB routing
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2017, 07:02:42 AM »
Small children with great eyesight and a Dremel.
Honour your mentors, and pay it forward.

Offline efrench

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Re: PCB routing
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2017, 02:49:31 PM »
Have you tried Voronoi style traces?

Offline PK

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Re: PCB routing
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2017, 05:34:22 PM »
Have you tried Voronoi style traces?
You know, I'd never heard of them.  If the tool chain is short I'll give it a go.. Sadly the ball screw rebuild that resulted from this attempt has turned into a bigger than Ben Hur 'Cluster F&#k' of a job, with stripped threads and......
So it'll be a few days before I can get back to this....