Week 4: Electronics Production
This week I explored milling a PCB board using the Quentorres Board design from the FabAcademy instructors. I tried using the png files first and was able to achieve very clean board cuts, but it would not read the file for the hole plunges. I tried to do this manually but had issues with alignment and hole size.
Using 1/32" and 1/64" tooling, the machine was able to cut all of the thin features, but I went through a few of the bits in the process while going through the various trials.
I decided to try using the gerber files provided in the repository instead of the pngs. To load a Gerber file into the Bantam Tools software and prepare it for milling on the Bantam Tools PCB milling machine, follow these steps:
1. Open Bantam Tools Software:
- Launch the Bantam Tools software on your computer.
2. Import Gerber File:
- Navigate to the "File" menu and select "Import".
- Choose the Gerber file you want to load into the software. The file extension is typically ".gbr" or ".ger".
3. Review Imported Design:
- Once imported, review the design in the software's workspace. Ensure that all layers and components appear as expected.
4. Set Up Milling Parameters:
- Click on the "Setup" tab or menu option to access milling parameters.
- Specify the material you'll be milling (e.g., FR-1, FR-4).
- Set the tool diameter and other milling parameters according to your design requirements.
5. Generate Toolpaths:
- After setting up milling parameters, navigate to the "Actions" or "Generate" menu.
- Choose the option to generate toolpaths based on your design and milling parameters.
- The software will calculate the toolpaths needed to mill your PCB design.
6. Preview Toolpaths:
- Some software versions may offer a preview option. Use it to visualize the toolpaths and ensure they align with your design intentions.
7. Connect to Bantam Tools PCB Milling Machine:
- Connect your computer to the Bantam Tools PCB milling machine using the appropriate interface (USB, network, etc.).
8. Send Design to Milling Machine:
- Once you're satisfied with the toolpaths, select the option to send the design to the milling machine.
- The software will transfer the milling instructions (G-code) to the machine's controller.
9. Secure Workpiece:
- Prepare your PCB material and secure it to the milling machine's bed using clamps or double-sided tape.
10. Run Milling Job:
- Start the milling process on the Bantam Tools PCB milling machine.
- Ensure proper safety precautions are followed, and supervise the milling process until completion.
11. Inspect Milled PCB:
- After milling, carefully remove the PCB from the machine.
- Inspect the milled PCB for accuracy and quality, checking for any defects or errors.
12. Cleanup:
- Clean the milling machine and workspace as needed, removing any debris or dust generated during the milling process.
Tool Change
The machine will pause and ask you to switch the tool when it is finished with the 1/64" milling pass. Once you install the new bit, it will automatically run the probing operating to capture the tool height. Then you can resume the milling of the 1/32" tool paths.
I was finally able to get a successful board with all of the features cleanly milled and the hole plunges and outline properly cut.
I proceded to solder all of the surface mount components according to the specifications in the repository.
I had to cut the length of the pins on some of the headers in order for them to line up with the board leads.
The resistors and leds were incredibly small so it required the use of tweezers to handle.
The Quentorres board is complete and ready for programming.
Files
Download Bantam Tools Milling File
Copyright 2024 Thomas Pupo - Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial
Source code hosted at fabcloud/fabacademy/2024/thomas-pupo