ELECTRONICS PRODUCTION
I started this week's assignment by searching the basics of creating a PCB here site
GETTING STARTED FROM A SCHEMATIC
The circuit was first designed in KiCad, where a schematic was produced. KiCad was launched, created a new file and clicked schematic editor, then started adding the circuit components from the component library into the work space. The complete schematic for the circuit is shown below. The components used for the circuit are:- Xiao RP2040
- LED
- Resistors
- Capacitors
- PinHeaders
- Switch
From the schematic I then assigned all the components all their footprints and then switched to
PCB editor where I updated all the components in the schematic into it and then routed it, adding tracks
of 0.5mm.
The routed PCB file was then saved as gerber files.Gerber files are the industry-standard, open ASCII vector format used to describe printed circuit board (PCB) designs, containing information on copper layers, solder mask, legend, and drill data, essential for PCB fabrication.
COPPERCAM SOFTWARE
CopperCAM software was used to make the G-Codes that are going to be used to for milling the the circuit board. The software was downloaded here and then launched. Then the gerber files was loaded into it.
After importing the gerber files into CopperCam i the set the cutting parameters, being the contour cutting. And then then added drill file into the model.
The final pcb model looked like this after everthing.
I then set the tool parameter, by selecting parameters then adding all the parameters needed for
cutting the board.
The final booard will look li this.
The mill button was clicked to create the G-code readeable by the machine to be used to cut the PCB
PCB MILLING
For milling the PCB I used the Bungard CCD/2 Eco milling machine.
RoutePro3000 SOFTWARE
I then used RoutePro 3000 which is a software build for running the BUNGARD CNC systems. THe software was downloaded here and then installed and launched.
New project button was then clicked and then imported the .plt files from coppercam into it
All the the .plt files, route, drill and cut out were imported into the software and the material, tools, diameter, depth and iterations for each file were assigned/set.
After importing all the files this is how the file looked, showing the track paths, drill holes and cut out path in blue.
LOADING THE MATERIAL
The material(FR-4) was then loaded into the machine being held with a double sided tape to avoid it from moving as it is being milled.
The tool was inserted after loading the material. Each file had its own tool and the tools were changed every after the milling process for one file was complete.
After everything was set I then clicked the run button to start the milling of all the files.
After milling the PCB was removed from the machine then cleaned with a P1000 sandpaper. I looked like this after after everything was done.
