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RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: light ring conversion for miniature drill press

2010-05-24 by Tony Smith

> The next thing would be to mount a camera on the drill so that you 
> could position the drill properly in the center of the pad. I seem to 
> remember someone doing that with software that sees the exact center 
> and helps you position correctly. Perhaps a mechanical stage. Of 
> course we're almost at cnc by then, but I think an optical aid would be
useful.


The ones with camera work off the silk screen printing, there's reference
marks in the corners.  Some SMD pick & place machines do that as well (well,
they don't have much use for holes).

CNC just does the holes where you tell it to.

Various places will sell you line lasers cheap.  Bit like the saws with the
laser line except you need two of them at 90 degrees.  Cross-hair ones don't
really work as the work height keeps changing.  I'm pretty sure I've seen
drills with this, I'm too lazy too look.   

I have seen a setup with an etched magnifying glass & mirrors, but can't
remember how it worked.

Tony

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