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8. Electronics Production

For week 8, Electronic Production, we will use digital manufacturing equipment for the generation of electronic cards as well as the generation of programs with the created card.

Group Assignment: - Use the test equipment in your lab to observe the operation of a microcontroller circuit board (as a minimum, you should demonstrate the use of a multimeter and oscilloscope). - Document your work on the group work page and reflect what you learned on your individual page.

Individual Assignment: - Use an EDA tool to design a development board to interact and communicate with an embedded microcontroller

Assignment Checklist.

item Activity Status
task 1 Linked to the group assignment page IN PROGRESS
task 2 Programmed your board to interact and communicate IN PROGRESS
task 3 Described the programming process(es) you used IN PROGRESS
task 4 Included your source code IN PROGRESS
task 5 Included ‘hero shot(s) IN PROGRESS

Group Assignment

For this week of electronic design, we will work with the SRM20 small format CNC, which belongs to the ROLAND brand. Let’s see our work site.

PARAMETERS AND WORK

For the elaboration of a correct work on the PCB sheets, we must take into account that they must be completely horizontal, without imperfections. Now we will open our PNG file inside fabmodules, to configure the parameters for later work. Let’s see the process.

INITIAL TESTS

For initial testing, we used a design we called “strip,” which will help us identify the appropriate values ​​for future work.

STEPS

  1. Export the file in PNG format. (We’ll convert this to the path, in RML format.)2.

Uploaded PNG file

Editing parameters within the fabmodules

  1. Now in the Fab Modules add-on tool, we load the file to generate the gcode file, in this case we work on it for ROLAND equipment.

  2. We follow the appropriate sequence to perform a correct milling process, configuring the mill trace parameters:

  3. tool diameter: 0.0095 in,

  4. cut depth: 0.015 in,
  5. max depth: 0.02 in,
  6. offset number: 5.

  7. (It should be noted that the parameters indicated are to define the internal work part, not the external cut.)

  8. Now for the external or contour cut, we work with the following parameters:

  9. Tool Diameter: 0.035 in.
  10. Cut Depth: 0.049 in.
  11. Max Depth: 0.060 in.
  12. Offset Number: 1.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Within the equipment configuration, what we have done is reduce the speed from 100% to 60%, and increase the speed on the spindle.

Work Preview

This is a preview of the model shown, at least for the roughing theme, “the milling path”

Once we’ve finished configuring some parameters in FabModules, we do the following: - We grab a PCB that meets the necessary dimensions. - We verify that the PCB is completely flat. - We apply double-sided tape to secure the PCB to the slaughter table. - In this case, we can start from the “bottom left” side.

At this point, we’ll also choose the “spear-shaped” cutter to achieve fine lines, and we’ll secure it to the spindle of the ROLAND SRM20 desktop router. NOTE: We’ll use the hex wrench included with the kit so we can adjust the cutter without overexerting ourselves, as this requires a measured amount of force.

Once the previous steps have been completed, we’ll enter the device’s software, where we calibrate the X, Y, and Z axes. - We use the on-screen cursors: -X, +X, +Y, -Y, and also the +Z and -Z cursors. - With the “CURSOR STEP” option, we can indicate the movement, whether we want it to be continuous, or whether the steps will be in subdivisions, as we call them “short jumps” or “fine jumps.” Once positioned correctly, we go to the red box indicated in the image to set the “zero” axes.

Having completed these steps, we now have the layout of the plate in relation to the milling cutter for subsequent work.

Once all the steps have been reviewed, the parameters are loaded into the “CUT” option, where the file with the “rmll” extension will be uploaded. Then, we wait the necessary time to obtain the PCB layout (testing).

We have two samples made A and B, being the “B” the best result, remaining as evidence in our notes for the FabAcademy.

SAMPLE A SAMPLE B

Individual Assignment.

PCB CARD REPLICATION

Once we understand the correct use of the equipment and know the process, we’ll work with the development board as an example, shared by Quentin Torres. Credit to whom in this section.

Let’s repeat our documented process

  1. File selection.

  2. Parameter settings

  3. PCB board selection for ROLAND teamwork.

Files for download

LEARNING, FINDING AND LESSONS

When generating electronic circuit boards with CNC machining, inside the ROLAND MILL SRM20, the PCB board should be as horizontal as possible to avoid design errors. Ideally, leave it for a long time with some weight on top so that the PCB board is completely flat.

We solder the PCB using a fine-tipped soldering iron, keeping the temperature at 210°C to avoid burning the components, as they are sensitive to high temperatures.

Last update: June 27, 2025