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:
- 0.4mm flat end mill (1/64”)
- 0.8mm flat end mill (1/32”) (used to cut the outline)
- V-Tool with 0.2mm tip width and 30-degree angle
- 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
Below one is 1/64 bit and the result that we optained .
V-Tool Parameters¶
0.2mm 30 degree v-tool .
For the 0.1mm 20-degree V-Tool:
Output .
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 |