Where to get PCB's made

[CapeCAD]

Did you make your own router? What are you using for control boards and software? Geckos? How do you handle alignment issues when you flip your board over? I'm VERY interested in making one.

I did make my own, but I had the X/Y rails off an old LPKF PCB plotter to start with. This router is 2 foot by 3 foot, with 6" Z-Axis, so there is not much it will not do.

I went with a Probotix 4 Axis Monster kit and I have both Mach3 (Windows) and EMC (Linux) set up on a dual boot computer. This setup is overkill because I wanted to be able to also machine aluminum, 180oz-in or less would be more than adequate for just PCB routing. MPJA has some good deals on stepper motors.

Since then I was able to design my own 5 Phase driver boards (more accuracy) and will probably use them for a smaller prototype router.

I have not set up my home switches yet because I'm still looking for the right wire to use, so I've been placing a strip of aluminum on the X and Y axis and just offset the width of the board when flipping over. Once the home switches are set I'll put a pair of dowels in the center to align when flipped.

My favorite CAM software for PCBs so far is CopperCAM since I use PADs Layout for PCB design and am able to read the gerbers files in and process the .iso files, but I hear Eagle CAD has a script to create them directly.

I now use carpet tape to hold everything down and it keeps everything nice and flat, masking tape works fine for smaller boards.

I purchased an instant Z axis and PCB spindle from Paul Jones, but a good dremel tool would probably be adequate.

I'm now working on a microchip controller with digital readout, but Linistepper is a good source if you're looking to start out.

 

[CapeCAD]

Thanks for putting this idea in my head i been doing nothing but research since. Thinking i might go with a Momus design since it is ridged and strong enough to Cut aluminum. But also accurate enough to do PCB's . Going to cost about 800 to 900 bucks to build I figure. Thats for everything Stepper motors controller board , router , metal wood. But it will run circles around the commercial 900 dollar ones. Here is a link to it in action cutting some aluminum.

The CNCZone forum is a good resource if you are looking for information. I spent a month reading up on everything.

 

[CraigHB]

Looked at those links you posted. That CNC routing is pretty amazing, quite an investment though. Would love to see some photos of your rig and a PCB produced with it.

 

[Java_Az]

The CNCZone forum is a good resource if you are looking for information. I spent a month reading up on everything.

Yeah i made a account there last night. Still haven't got the registration email. Trying to decide what kit to go with for steppers and control board. Would like to get a Gecko but i think i am going to have to go the cheap route for my first build. Wont have the cash till Wednesday so i got a few days to make up my mind.

 

[CapeCAD]

Yeah i made a account there last night. Still haven't got the registration email. Trying to decide what kit to go with for steppers and control board. Would like to get a Gecko but i think i am going to have to go the cheap route for my first build. Wont have the cash till Wednesday so i got a few days to make up my mind.

If I was doing it over again I'd go with the 3 axis linistepper kit and buy the stepper motors somewhere cheap to work with it. You have to assemble it, but that's half the fun.

Here are some boards routed. Board on right uses 0603 and msop-8 components.



Here is the router


Here is a 5 Phase driver board I routed

 

[Java_Az]

I was thinking about going with this kit since funds are going to be a issue. Someone else used it in there build and say there are happy with it.
3 Axis Nema 23 stepper motor 287 oz.in CNC Router NEW | eBay

 

[CapeCAD]

I was thinking about going with this kit since funds are going to be a issue. Someone else used it in there build and say there are happy with it.
3 Axis Nema 23 stepper motor 287 oz.in CNC Router NEW | eBay

That looks like a good deal, the TB6560 is used a lot and 287 oz in is hefty enough to cut some aluminum.

Another advantage to using a router is you can cut your own solder stencils.

 

[Java_Az]

That looks like a good deal, the TB6560 is used a lot and 287 oz in is hefty enough to cut some aluminum.

Another advantage to using a router is you can cut your own solder stencils.

Yeah the guy that used that kit in his is making parts out of aluminum. Really i plan on using this for a lot more then PCB's. Got all kinds of ideas in my head. But it for sure will make my life easyer building what i have planned. I just have a drill press right now with a mill vise and it is a pain in the .... to do all the precision holes and cuts the old fashion way. Going to be cool to get this thing built. If you know of any good plans out there let me know. I keep searching but nothing seems as good as the momus for the cost right now. Although i do want to change his design a bit. maybe go with a steel frame on it . I got a good bit laying around. anyways back to CNCzone for me see what else i can learn.

 

[jrm850]

TQFP44. .8mm pitch. I'm starting to get the hang of this.

 

[bstedh]

Just realized my uncle has a plasmacam table. I should be able to make an adapter to put a dremel on it and cut boards with it...

 

[bstedh]

Just realized my uncle has a plasmacam table. I should be able to make an adapter to put a dremel on it and cut boards with it...

Guess I just figured out that I had a good place to get boards done. I was talking with my Uncle about his plasma cam table and his response was... "Why would you want to do that when I have a CNC table that will do it better."

He even said he would be willing to do some cash jobs for the boards. Don't have any idea what he would charge at this point as I don't have a current board to have made at this point.

If anybody has the need to get a board built I can get you his email to have a discussion with him about it. I'm sure quantity will still be a better value but might be worth asking him about it. I guess the big draw back would be that he doesn't have the equipment to do things like plated through holes. Just a simple etch and drill job.