For example, in Estlcam I can simply open an Autcad drawing and create toolpaths just by clicking on them. This Arduino creates the pulses that will drive the stepper motors. This is very useful when milling pcb's with an engraving tool.ĮstlCam communicates with an Arduino. This feature is used to compensate height differences in the object that needs to be milled. For example, an automated surface level scan. It's constantly under development and new functions are added frequently. It's designed by Christian Knül and you can test it's functionality for free. The program that I use for this is EstlCam. Second the toolpaths need to be send to the controller that is controlling the stepper motors on the milling machine. One is to create the toolpaths that the cutting tool should follow. Now, basically there are two steps in a computer controlled milling process. Despite the fact that it can run automated programs, it does not communicate with a computer.

For example, during this video I only use 2 software packages for milling a printed circuit board.Ī few years ago I converted my Proxxon MF 70 micro mill to a CNC machine with digital readout so I didn't have to count the dials. But trust me when I say that it is really easy. When you research this subject you can easily get the idea that you need a dozen software packages and expensive hardware to get it to work. Now I know that operating a CNC machine might look intimidating.

So, if I want to make a prototype PCB I can finish it today. The only thing to keep in stock is some coper clad board and cutters in case one breaks during the process. No chemicals, completely hands-off and always ready when you need it. Now please don't get me wrong, it's not a new technology and there are already al lot of videos on YouTube that show this method.īut I personally never tried it and for some reason I really like the principle. The next method to make a PCB is one that I really want to try for quite some time now. But the process is really hands-on, time consuming and because of the chemicals it's not without any risks. I used this method in the past and I personally didn't like it. One of them is to send the design to a manufacturer that produces professional PCB's with a solder mask.Īnother method is to make your own prototype PCB with the use of etching chemicals. Now, there are several ways to go from a design to a physical PCB. Hello and welcome back to another one of my videos.ĭesigning your own printed circuit boards or PCB's is a very satisfying process. The software settings that I used are shown at the end of this video. Links to the software can be found in the description. This page contains the full script that I used for making this video. Video: PCB milling tutorial with a Proxxon MF 70 CNC milling machine using Estlcam and PCB-GCODE PCB milling tutorial with a Proxxon MF 70 CNC milling machine using Estlcam and PCB-GCODE

Pcb milling software