Skip to content

Week 8 - Electronics Production

About CNC Cutting & ShopBot PRSalpha 96 CNC Router (Features) - Ashish

introduction to PCB production – Namita

(materials, bits, system of measurement)

workflow for Rolland - Ravi

Analyze results from using the 3 tools on Rolland - Abin

(0.4 and 0.8 mm bits, V-Tool 0.2 mm 30 deg, V-Tool 0.1mm 20deg)

Test Pattern Design and Purpose

The test pattern visible in the images consists of graduated trace width indicators marked at .001, .010, and .020 inches. I design this pattern specifically to evaluate the minimum trace width and spacing achievable with each milling tool. The copper traces appear as thin lines on the FR-1 substrate, with the numerical markings indicating the corresponding width in inches. This standardized test pattern allows me to systematically characterize the capabilities of our in-house PCB production process.

Tools Evaluated

I test four distinct milling tools during this evaluation process:

  1. 0.4mm flat end mill (1/64”)
  2. 0.8mm flat end mill (1/32”) (used to cut the outline)
  3. V-Tool with 0.2mm tip width and 30-degree angle
  4. V-Tool with 0.1mm tip width and 20-degree angle

Each tool presents unique characteristics that affect trace quality, minimum achievable width, and overall milling precision.

These one below is the photo of the 3 sample line test that we have done with different tools

group 1.jpg

group 2.jpg

Below one is 1/64 bit and the result that we optained .

group 3.jpg

V-Tool Parameters

0.2mm 30 degree v-tool .

group5.jpg

For the 0.1mm 20-degree V-Tool:

Output .

group 4.jpg

Vtool with 0.1 and 20 deg

RESULTS

Tool Minimum Trace Width Minimum Clearance Observations
1/64” Flat End Mill All test widths .015 inch Wider isolation channels with clean, straight edges. Material removal is more substantial compared to V-bits.
V-bit 0.2mm All test widths .010 inch Moderate isolation channel width. Good balance between precision and durability.
V-bit 0.1mm All test widths .005 inch Finest isolation channels with minimal copper removal. Excellent for high-density designs.
## workflow for Trotec - Akash

workflow for X-Tools F1 Ultra - Ashish

Flexible circuits - Noel

submit a PCB design to a board house – Tom / Ancy


Last update: March 14, 2025