the scratch and etch is a very nice idea.
knows anyone how i may obtain a plotter file (hpgl1) which contains the information needed to plot the
outline of a layout?
i think this should work with the software used for milling pcbs. (anyone knews which is free available
and good?) i have gerber out, and printing to any other format in positive image.
i find the software most difficult to get right also with positive plotting, i simply can't get a
plotter file (plotting with carbide tip and staedtler ink - very good quality results) which has the
drill holes open as a guide for drilling.
but the scratch method would be very fine for those who don't have carbide pens (expensive) and it also
would only make the isolation etched, this would save the etchant...
if it may be possible to get the drill holes open with the scratch method?
but first i have to get a software which generates this files, if anybody knows where to find please
post.
i read commercial pcb mills interpret the gerber files directly. there should be a workaround for hpgl 1
plotters??
regards
st
08.05.2003 18:48:08, "Steve" <
alienrelics@...> wrote:
>--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, JanRwl@A... wrote:
>-snip-
>> I have seen solid-carbide "router bits" in various mail-order
>catalogs, but
>> never having used them continuously every day, just buying a few "to
>have on
>> hand if ever needed", I can't now tell you from whence! Check
>catalogs of
>> MPJA, JDR Microdevices, Enco, Harbor Freight, and of course, those I
>have
>> forgotten at the moment!
>
>Don't forget to check the Links section of the list, and if you have a
>good supplier please add their website in the appropriate folder.
>
>-snip-
>> It almost seems that some "ol' boy out there" in the
>machine-manufacturing
>> business might do well to design/offer a neat little 100-W.
>air-motor with
>> air-bearings, a 1/8" collet, and a design-RPM of, what, 100,000 RPM,
>running
>> on 90 PSI, 4 CFM "shop air" for $100 each, not including compressor!
> (is
>> 90 PSI @ 4 CFM about equal to 100 Watt????)
>
>Don Lancaster suggested dental turbines as cheap (about $14)
>disposable cutting tools. Something I've wanted to try. Also called a
>"Dental Handpiece".
>
>http://63.140.207.28/musev.pdf/hack76.pdf
>
>With a suitably sharp bit, one of these on a very flexible airhose,
>and a heck of a vacuuming system, these may work on something like HP
>flatbed plotters. Maybe have to stick with 1 oz or 1/2 oz copper. I
>have no idea what the runout is on these little turbines. It should be
>pretty low, as any vibration while carving up teeth is -highly-
>undesirable.
>
>Here's his page on what he calles "flutterwumpers", ie, hack and grind
>plotters:
>http://www.tinaja.com/flut01.asp
>
>Has anyone done any more investigation on using John Kleinbauer's
>Scratch 'N Etch idea? For those that weren't here then:
>
>Spray PCB with Layout Fluid (Dykem brand was suggested) with a thin
>even coat.
>
>Place modified pen in plotter- it has a carbide tip in place of the
>pen tip.
>
>Plot PCB pattern onto board. It scratches off a thin line of the
>layout fluid.
>
>Etch and drill.
>
>Denny did a couple of tests by hand, here are the archived messages:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/message/281
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/message/286
>
>I've modified a pen and bought an HP plotter just for this, even have
>a spray can of layout fluid. Just have had way too much to do.
>
>Steve Greenfield
>
>
>
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>