I have posted a few blog entries on my attempts at PCBs on the Cricut.
The two methods I used were:
- Sharpie on PCB as etch resist (worked pretty well, the extra fine tip
industrial marker worked well enough to use some SMD parts).
http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2012/02/26/smd-pcb-rfid-fail/http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2011/04/06/more-cricut-pcbs-the-sharpie-method/- Spray on some paint as a resist, and scratching off lines to isolate
circuits using a scriber tool which has no "offset" problem. I had moderate
success with this, but the sharpie method is quicker and works better. The
difficulty is, you need something pretty darn sharp to scratch off the
resist (or your copper..), but the sharper something is, the thinner the
line you are scratching off, and more trouble you'll have with bridges...
Perhaps a quick etch to try and widen the cuts?
http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2011/03/17/pcbs-on-the-cricut-2/http://everhack.blog.atxhackerspace.org/2011/03/29/pcb-process-updateI have not, however, actually tried to scratch off the copper like the
original poster. Those blades are pretty pricey, I wonder how long they
last in this application?
-David
On Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 8:02 AM, KalleP <kalle@...> wrote:
> ∗∗
>
>
>
>
> Love the new concept.
>
> Javaguy said ...
>
> > Sounds interesting, but as mentioned in another post it is
> > surprising a vinyl cutter could cut through copper. Is this
> > standard 1/16 inch 1 ounce FR4?
>
> AlienRelics said ...
> > Re: Produce Quick & Cheap PCBs with a CNC paper cutter
>
> > Having manually cut isolation with an Xacto, I'd have never
> > guessed the relatively minor downforce from a CriCut or
> > other vinyl cutter would be enough to cut all the way through
> > the copper.
>
> It does seem a bit unlikely that it would be up to the job but remember
> copper is a soft metal and if the carbide blade stays sharp it should do
> the job.
>
> Also what may not be obvious to those who do not have a scrapbooking wife
> who yearns for such a cutter is that the CriCut has a bit more muscle than
> a basic vinyl cutter. It is rated to cut card stock as well so has a larger
> downforce and rigidity than a pen plotter turned cutter.
>
> Never mind the consumer machine, consider the implications of using such a
> blade in a small XYZ router with just a bit more downforce and rigidity and
> this might be the future of instant PCB DIY manufacture.
>
> Kalle
> --
> Johannesburg, South Africa
>
>
>
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