PCB milling newbie help wanted

[tomskk]

Hello guys,

I recently got a used engraver Roland Camm Scribe CS-20.

Technical link: http://www.olymp.co.yu/cs20/main_spec.html

I would like to use it to produce prototype PCB. I am new in this field and english is not my strong side so I don't understand all the technical words.

I would like to know what tools will I need for this machine and if it is possible to use this machine for PCB "milling"?

I would like to make PCB boards with 15 mils traces and 15 mils spaces. What are the correct tools for this job? Is it called end-mill??

My machine can only have 10.000 rpm. Is that enough?

Thanks.

[patndel]

Hi,

I'm not familiar with the machine, but if it's capable of engraving, I would think milling pcbs would not be asking too much out of it.

You'll need carbide tooling if you considering milling pcb, here's a link to a supplier I use for drill bits and end mills in carbide. It will be an endmill you would be looking for to mill the boards.

http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

The thing to check with your machine is whether it has the clearance available to use these tools.

Hope this helps.

Pat

[tomskk]

Thanks, what sizes do you think I need? What is flute? (2-flute / 3-flute)?

Thanks again.

[patndel]

The "flute" refers to the number of cutting edges of the tool, for your purpose, I don't think it would matter too much, since you are only machining the thin copper layer off the board.

As for the sizes, I would suggest getting the largest possible that will give you the clearance between your traces that you require (0.015). At this size the cutters are pretty fragile.

Do you have one of the original roland cutters that you can use for reference? The only problem I can anticipate is the length of the cutters from drillbit city may be too long for you machine.

Pat

[tomskk]

I don't have any original cutters from Roland. I got the engraver without any tools.

So what size of end-mill do you recommend?

[boaterri]

Good morning:

Generally, pc board traces are etched not milled. It is a chemical process using a masking material and a mild acid solution. Kits are available in better electronics supply catalogues. Try google-ing "PC Board Etching" for more info.

Good Luck,

Rick

[tomskk]

Yes I know, but i'm not good at chemicals. And I think it is less messy to do a prototype PCB with milling.

[metalbyter]

Hello,
Actually it' not uncommon for PCB to be milled for one off's and rapid prototyping it is a good solution. you don't want to use an end mill you need a 1/2 round engraving cutter. Once your set up it's like using your mill like a "PCB pinter". 10000 RPM is fine.
Here is a link with some great information. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pcb-gc...guid=212119991
Mark

[Torchhead]

The best tool to use to get 15 mil traces and clearance is the carbide V bits like the ones from

http://www.thinktink.com/stack/volum...e/mechmill.htm

There are also tutorials on how to make PCB's with mechanical etching (cutting witha rotarty tool)

[tomskk]

How about this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Carbide-End-Mill...QQcmdZViewItem

What is the difference between carbide end-mills and carbide routers?
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-050-chipbrea...ayphotohosting

[metalbyter]

These are the ones I use and the service was exellent.
http://www.bitsbits.net/index.php?ma...roducts_id=128It takes a lot to break a 1/2 round V cutter but almost nothing to break an end mill that small
Mark

[tomskk]

Thanks, very usefull link. What tip size do you recommend?