8. Electronics Production¶
Group Assignment¶
We worked on the Roland SRM-20 milling machine.
Before using the machine, our lab instructor guided us through the setup process and emphasized essential safety precautions. These included:
- Ensuring the front cover is closed during operation
- Understanding the safety interlocks
- Locating the emergency stop button
Following these safety measures is crucial to maintain a safe working environment and prevent accidents.
Learning About End Mills and Their Specifications¶
- We explored different types and sizes of end mills for various cutting applications.
- Two types were introduced:
✅ 1/64-inch diameter end mill – Ideal for fine PCB traces and detailed engraving
✅ 1/32-inch diameter end mill – Suitable for cutting wider traces or deeper engravings
In this photo: The two different end mills used in the CNC machine.
⚙️ Feeds, Speeds, and Depth of Cut¶
🌀 Feed Rate¶
The feed rate is the speed at which the tool moves horizontally (X and Y directions) across the material while cutting.
Measured in: millimeters per second (mm/s) or millimeters per minute (mm/min).
Purpose: Controls how fast the machine mills along the path.
⬇️ Plunge Rate¶
The plunge rate is the speed at which the tool moves vertically (Z direction) into the material.
Measured in: mm/s or mm/min as well.
Purpose: Determines how quickly the end mill enters the material.
Lower than feed rate to prevent breaking the bit or damaging the material.
| Operation | Tool | Feed Rate | Plunge Rate | Depth of cut |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trace Cutting | 1/64” End Mill | 1 mm/s | 0.3 mm/s | 0.15 mm |
| Outline Cutting | 1/32” End Mill | 1.5 mm/s | 0.5 mm/s | 1.7 mm |
Material: FR1 board
Spindle Speed: ~8,000 RPM
Understanding the Cutting Plate and Work Area¶
- The machine uses a high-density plastic sacrificial plate beneath the material to protect the bed.
- We learned how to secure the plate with screws to prevent any movement during milling.
📷 In these photos: Mounting the sacrificial cutting plate.
The Machine’s Software for Setting Zero Positions¶
- We were introduced to the software interface used to load designs, define tool paths, and configure operations.
- We reviewed supported file formats.
- We set the X, Y, and Z zero positions.
In these photos: Setting the zero positions.
Using Mods¶
Once the settings were finalized, we saved the file to our computer with a .rml extension.
We repeated the process for the outline cut with a few parameter changes:
The Machine’s Software for Loading .rml Files¶
After setting the zero positions, we clicked “Cut”, and the following window appeared:
- We selected “Delete All” to remove previous files
- Then clicked “Add” and loaded our
.rmlfile
Finally, we clicked “Output” to begin the milling job.
Submitting a PCB Design to a Board House¶
We will use Ghadeer’s XIAO RP2040 Board and submit it to a board house.
Placing an Order with JLCPCB¶
1. Sign In or Register¶
Create an account if you’re a new user, or log in using your existing credentials at JLCPCB.
2. Upload Your Gerber Files¶
Once logged in, upload your Gerber files that contain the complete PCB design.
Ensure the files include all required layers and are correctly generated according to JLCPCB’s specifications.
How to generate Gerber files in Altium Designer:
Go to:
File→Fabrication Outputs→Gerber X2 Files
Select the necessary layers, but do not select the mechanical layers, as they are not required.
If your board includes holes (e.g., vias), follow these steps:
File → Fabrication Outputs → NC Drill Files
In our design, we only have two vias, so it will look like this:
This will generate all the output files you need.
A new folder will be created:
Compress this folder into a .zip file:
Then upload the zipped folder to the JLCPCB website:
3. Configure PCB Specifications¶
After uploading, you’ll be prompted to define key parameters such as:
- Material
- Quantity
- Board thickness
- Copper weight
- Solder mask color
- Surface finish
Choose the options that best meet your design needs.
4. Review and Confirm¶
Carefully review all order details: PCB specifications, quantity, and cost.
Ensure everything is correct before proceeding.
5. Add to Cart¶
If everything looks good, add your order to the cart.
6. Checkout¶
Enter your shipping address and choose a suitable shipping method.
You can select from different shipping options:
7. Make Payment¶
Choose your preferred payment method (e.g., credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer) and complete the transaction.
8. Manufacturing Process¶
After payment, JLCPCB will begin manufacturing your PCB.
The production time depends on your design complexity and selected options.
9. Track Your Order¶
You can track the manufacturing and shipping status through your JLCPCB dashboard.
10. Delivery¶
Once manufacturing is complete, your PCBs will be shipped to the address provided during checkout.
Note:
To avoid delays or production issues, ensure your design follows JLCPCB’s design rules and guidelines.
You may also refer to their FAQs and support resources for additional help throughout the process.
