Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "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
>

I have done a little experimentation in the past manually cutting traces using graver techniques. The copper itself cuts just fine, but getting it separated cleanly from the fiberglass is more of a problem.

I would think Cricut would have a similar problem issue. Still if it works, that would be great.