Homebrew PCBs

Patrick,

The CNC baptism is easier than the 3d scanning baptism<G> 

With my machine software, Working with Autocad files is not a 
problem, except that acad DXF is a transitive format.(Always 
changing) So there's a learning curve until you find what works. But 
once you do, then it can get pretty seamless for 2 or 2-1/2D stuff. 
The machines will come with dxf, bmp and hpgl import, so getting 
toolpaths from other sources can be simply done.

The mdx15 uses a piezio scanner, which works by vibrating a needle, 
and then paying attention to the frequency damping which occurs when 
it touches something. It's a good technique for small detailed items. 
I've been trying to hunt down the patent path for this to see if I 
could offer it. (Roland hasn't been very amenable to selling just the 
scanner. At one point I was going to buy complete picza's just for 
the piezio...) Until I get that worked out, we have to make do with 
the renishaw type probe, for which the patent recently ran out. (It's 
not a bad choice, but can be slower at sampling the surface.) The 
machine software includes the ability to scan/probe.

My more expensive machine is much sturdier than the Mx15, with 16mm 
steel shafts on all axes. It is also more open in the design, and 
will lend itself better to user additions and larger work.  This is 
also true of the 1000 buck machine, but that machine has 3/4 shafts 
x/y and 1/2" in Z.

For your small pcb's the roland won't be a bad choice. Some have 
found the spindle motor limiting. And the software is definitely in 
the "bundled" category<G> Send me an email offlist, and we can 
discuss your needs in more detail. I may have something that makes 
sense for you.

Ballendo       

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Patrick Debrow" <pdebrow@c...> 
wrote:
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ballendo" <ballendo@y...> 
> wrote:
> ... 
> > But it doesn't seem as popular as I'd thought, based on responses 
> > here so far... 
> > 
> > Now that I've let my target pricing out of the bag, perhaps there 
> > might be interest?
> > 
> > Balllendo
>  
> Plan to purchase Roland MDX 15 in next month for use in very small 
PCB
> proto shop.  Reasons for purchase mostly $$$ ($2995), but scanning 
input
> (and implied flexibility to accomodate other homebrew head devices) 
and
> bundled SW also important.  Will be used to route very small 15-20 
mil
> PCBs (1"x1" typ), 3-D scanning of populated PCBs, drilling PCBs, and
> general small shop routing.
>  
> I am novice at this, but have done some machine shop work in past.  
Too
> old to learn new CAD SW so need good interface with Autocad (and 
dread
> dealing with yet another bundled SW).  But am looking forward to 
baptism
> into CNC and 3-D scanning.
>  
> I would like to build my own, but gotta get on with it so figure I 
will
> try my hand at it when time available and with experience with 
Roland.  
>  
> Does your planning address any of my current or future needs?
>  
> Patrick
> 
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]