Electronics Production

Among the difficulties encountered in carrying out this task was that we did not have our FABLAB implemented in our institution, so we had to look for a company in the city of Chiclayo where we could rent the table milling machine.

Group assignment

Roland SRM-20

The machine is MONOFAB SRM-20 is like a small milling machine, the SRM-20 offers a compact size and powerful functionality at an affordable price. Producing realistic parts and prototypes is made simple and convenient with a device that fits in any office, classroom, or home. For users looking for advanced milling skills without the need to be an expert, the SRM-20 is the most precise and easiest to operate milling machine in its class.

A wide range of materials, including wax, chemical wood, foam, acrylic, polyacetal, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and printed circuit boards, can be precision milled using the SRM-20 small milling machine, allowing you to create realistic 3D prototypes that are identical to the production parts. The SRM-20 has a fully enclosed cabinet that reduces dust and noise and includes a side window for easy viewing of progress. It also includes a safety interlock switch that automatically puts the machine into pause mode when the cover is open, allowing milling to restart when you close the cover and select “continue” (“continue”). Multi-axis milling is as easy as X, Y and Z.

Specifications

You can see images of the milling machine

Remember

The two important components that will allow us to work with the machine are: the machine driver and the software that controls the machine.

Installation of the MONOFAB SRM-20 milling machine driver.

Run the SETUP64 file

Mark the INSTALL option and then press START for the installation to start.

We must press the NEXT button. We must accept the terms of the license and then click on NEXT.

We press INSTALL to start the installation and then we confirm that we are going to install the device by clicking on INSTALL.

After the installation, press the FINISH button.

Installation of VPanel for SRM-20 software

We execute the SETUP file and the installation is prepared in the following window, we press NEXT to start the installation wizard.

We accept the terms of the software license and press the NEXT button and then we can indicate the destination of the installation files by pressing the NEXT button.

We start the installation by pressing the INSTALL button and at the end we press FINISH. We will see that on the desktop.

SOFTWARE ROLAND VPANEL FOR SRM-20

The SRM-20 was designed with a number of technological advances including a one-button VPanel controller to regulate feed rate, spindle speed and milling in all three axes X, Y and Z, and a new independent drive system. chuck that allows for faster Z-axis base point setup and quick tool changes. This software controls the machine.

Remember: To start a new job we must always place the cutter in the lower left part of the plate.

STEPS TO MILL PCB

STEP 1: We use MODSPROJECT as software to parameterize the PCB png files, and to be able to assemble them from the milling machine.

Link: http://modsproject.org/

When entering the following window appears where we press right click

STEP 2:Then the following box appears where we select PROGRAMS and then we select Open Program that will allow us to open server files of the FAB ACADEMY. Subsequently, a list of programs for different machines appears but we will select PCB Absolute for the Roland SRM-20 machine that works in millimeters

Step 3: The following window appears

Step 4: Here we will find two important sections in the upper one we load the SVG files (vectors) and in the lower PNG (pixel). We configure the depth of cut, the speeds, the origin if necessary and the ascending or conventional milling. We upload PNG files that the FAB ACADEMY gives us. The file FTS_MINI_TRACES contains the tracks or paths and the file named FTS_MINI_CUT contains the cuts. We load in the lower section the tracks.

Step 5: It connects with other modules, but the one that is important is the SET PCB DEFAULT that allows to set the default values of the printed circuit board They are stroke parameters, the first is the diameter of the cutter, the second and third are the depth at which it will engrave, the fourth is the number of passes, the fifth is the separation between those passes and the last is the speed at which it will move. the tool. Then we click on the MILL traces button

Step 6: we look for the CALCULATE button that is in the box to the side so that it calculates the route that the tool will have.

Step 7: And we obtain the following that represents the trajectories that the strawberry will follow:

Step 8: Then the generated file is saved, but for this the INPUT of the SAVE is connected with the OUTPUT of the ROLAND SMR-20

Step 9: Then we change the values of the origin of coordinates so that it starts where we place the tool. We have considered that in each movement that the equipment makes, it rises 2 mm (jog height).

Step 10: We recalculate the file (CALCULATE) and a file is downloaded automatically

Step 11: Use the motor controls to move the mill in the X and Y axes. Once it is barely in place, it is recommended to lower the Z axis closer to the work plate.

Step 12: We open the panel of the ROLAND machine and we click on the CUT button and it opens a window where we select ADD and then we mark the originated file. Then we click on OUTPUT and the machine starts to work.

Step 13: Peel the PCB off the workplate, making sure not to scratch the milled surface. Use the softest brush possible to clean all the chips. Using tweezers, clean all the edges carefully. Finally use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to clean the surface. Be careful because some of the copper circuits may be small.

Step 14: Prepare your soldering equipment and electronic components for soldering.