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Isolation mill software.

Isolation mill software.

2013-05-23 by Slavko Kocjancic

Hello...

I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
different mill cutters (different width).
For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.

I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.

I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.

Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Isolation mill software.

2013-05-23 by Mitch Davis

On Thu, May 23, 2013 at 2:41 PM, Slavko Kocjancic <eslavko@...> wrote:
>
> I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
> basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
> different mill cutters (different width).
> For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.
>
> I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
> are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
> space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
> with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.
>
> I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.
>
> Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)

I'm not saying it will do the job, but have you looked at pcb2gcode?
It does voronoi regions.

http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/pcb2gcode/

Mitch.

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Isolation mill software.

2013-05-23 by "Zoran A. Šćepanović"

On 05/23/2013 08:41 AM, Slavko Kocjancic wrote:
> Hello...
>
> I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
> basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
> different mill cutters (different width).
> For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.
>
> I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
> are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
> space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
> with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.
>
> I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.
>
> Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)
>


<http://www.cnczone.com/forums/pcb_milling/100359-new_pcb_isolation_milling_software_beta_verison.html>

Try this one, personally, I etch my boards, do nit like the wear and
tear of the bits and machine components due to the glass dust that is
inavoidable during milling FR-4

--
Best Regards,
Q Systems
Zoran A. Šćepanović
zastos@...
Skype: zoran.a.scepanovic
http://zastos.com
+381 63 609-993

-..-
The rich get rich, and the poor get poorer.

Re: Isolation mill software.

2013-05-23 by designer_craig

Take a look at Linegrinder --haven't used it in a while, don't know if the current capability allows tool changes, but it does support different cutter diameters.

Craig

Show quoted textHide quoted text
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Slavko Kocjancic <eslavko@...> wrote:
>
> Hello...
>
> I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
> basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
> different mill cutters (different width).
> For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.
>
> I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
> are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
> space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
> with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.
>
> I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.
>
> Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)
>

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Isolation mill software.

2013-05-24 by Slavko Kocjancic

As many other in linegrinder the tool can be selected (ie cutter width)
but can't select within more tools automaticaly when there is place for
bigger tool.
...still searching


Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 05/23/2013 09:12 PM, designer_craig wrote:
> Take a look at Linegrinder --haven't used it in a while, don't know if the current capability allows tool changes, but it does support different cutter diameters.
>
> Craig
>

Re: Isolation mill software.

2013-05-24 by ohmware

I can highly recommend PhCNC <http://www.accuratecnc.com/phcncStd.php>. It's a bit pricey ($400-500 depending on Std vs. Pro) but the results are awesome, and it's relatively easy to use (as far as CAM/CNC software goes).

Show quoted textHide quoted text
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "designer_craig" <cs6061@...> wrote:
>
> Take a look at Linegrinder --haven't used it in a while, don't know if the current capability allows tool changes, but it does support different cutter diameters.
>
> Craig
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Slavko Kocjancic <eslavko@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello...
> >
> > I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
> > basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
> > different mill cutters (different width).
> > For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.
> >
> > I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
> > are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
> > space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
> > with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.
> >
> > I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.
> >
> > Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)
> >
>

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Isolation mill software.

2013-05-25 by Slavko Kocjancic

This really seems good but it's way too pricey.
We still lokking... (I hope to find one, as I really don't want to write
my own)

Show quoted textHide quoted text
On 05/24/2013 08:11 PM, ohmware wrote:
> I can highly recommend PhCNC <http://www.accuratecnc.com/phcncStd.php>. It's a bit pricey ($400-500 depending on Std vs. Pro) but the results are awesome, and it's relatively easy to use (as far as CAM/CNC software goes).
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "designer_craig" <cs6061@...> wrote:
>> Take a look at Linegrinder --haven't used it in a while, don't know if the current capability allows tool changes, but it does support different cutter diameters.
>>
>> Craig
>>
>> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Slavko Kocjancic <eslavko@> wrote:
>>> Hello...
>>>
>>> I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
>>> basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
>>> different mill cutters (different width).
>>> For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.
>>>
>>> I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
>>> are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
>>> space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
>>> with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.
>>>
>>> I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.
>>>
>>> Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)
>>>
>>

RE: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-25 by <rf33333@...>

PhCNC is one of the best software for pcb milling: www.accuratecnc.com , http://www.accuratecnc.com/comparisonWithOthers.php



Show quoted textHide quoted text
---In homebrew_pcbs@yahoogroups.com, <eslavko@...> wrote:

Hello...

I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
different mill cutters (different width).
For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.

I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.

I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.

Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-25 by Randall Morgan

I do not know of any freeware or inexpensive software that allows the use of multiple mills. I hope someone else does as I too could use something like that.


On Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 4:37 AM, <rf33333@...> wrote:

PhCNC is one of the best software for pcb milling: www.accuratecnc.com , http://www.accuratecnc.com/comparisonWithOthers.php



---In homebrew_pcbs@yahoogroups.com, <eslavko@...> wrote:

Hello...

I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
different mill cutters (different width).
For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.

I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.

I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.

Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)




--
If you ask me if it can be done. The answer is YES, it can always be done. The correct questions however are... What will it cost, and how long will it take?

RE: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-26 by <cs6061@...>

I have used Line Grinder on a couple of boards. It worked well for me but like any software there is some messing around until you get it figured out. It takes your Gerber and makes G-Code for your mill.


http://www.ofitselfso.com/LineGrinder/LineGrinder.php


Craig



Show quoted textHide quoted text
---In homebrew_pcbs@yahoogroups.com, <eslavko@...> wrote:

Hello...

I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
different mill cutters (different width).
For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.

I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.

I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.

Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)

Re: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-26 by Paul Alciatore

Why do you have to remove large areas of copper? All you need to do
is cut a narrow path around the desired conductor traces and just
leave the rest of the copper on the board. If you are concerned about
leaving it floating free, then add some vias or jumpers to ground it.

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-26 by Boman33

Clearance is needed for high voltage/safety reasons in some cases.

Sometimes clearance is needed for RF and low capacitance designs.

Bertho

From: Paul Alciatore Sent: Saturday, October 26, 2013 15:44

Why do you have to remove large areas of copper? All you need to do
is cut a narrow path around the desired conductor traces and just
leave the rest of the copper on the board. If you are concerned about
leaving it floating free, then add some vias or jumpers to ground it.

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-28 by Mark Harrison

Hi,

GerbEx (from SourceForge) also looks very good, and can use different sized cutters for isolating and large area rubout operations.

Unfortunately in my case won’t accept the Gerber files produced by the Altium PCB editor.

GerbEx only handles some basic Gerber commands and aborts if it sees anything else and I can’t find a way of telling Altium to produce simple Gerber files.

Unfortunately support and documentation for GerbEx appears to be non-existent. Anyone had any luck with this?

By the way, I’ve modified Altium’s isolation milling example and produced good results, however I haven’t figured out a way to do rubouts (large copper area removal) or variable gap widths as yet.

Cheers,

Mark

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of cs6061@...
Sent: Sunday, 27 October 2013 04:06 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Isolation mill software.

I have used Line Grinder on a couple of boards. It worked well for me but like any software there is some messing around until you get it figured out. It takes your Gerber and makes G-Code for your mill.

http://www.ofitselfso.com/LineGrinder/LineGrinder.php

Craig

---In homebrew_pcbs@yahoogroups.com, <eslavko@...> wrote:
< br>

Hello...

I looking for isolation mill software. There are few available to do
basic isolation mill or vonroi. But I look for software that can use
different mill cutters (different width).
For example I have 4, 16 and 40 mil cutters.

I wan't to mill isolation trace with biggest mill possible. When there
are not enought space then use smaller mill. So if there are 10 mil
space I should cut 3 pass overlaped with 4 mil cutter but 20 mil space
with just two pass of 14 mil instead at least 5 pass with 4 mil.

I think this is must if I want large cooper area to be removed.

Does somebody know for that one? (I know LPKF mills use that technique)


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RE: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-28 by <mbushroe@...>

I have never worked with Altium, and have not even taken a close look at Gerber files. Are the complex commands essentially combinations of simpler ones? If they don't require recalculation, then an awk script should be able to look for every occurrence of the complex command and replace it with several lines of simpler instructions to accomplish the same thing. If recalculations are required (for instance, a single command to produce an arc may need to be replaced by twenty straight line segments with carefully calculated endpoints for each one) then you might do better with a perl or python script to post-process the Gerber files from Altium so that GerbEx can handle them.


Mike

Unfortunately in my case won’t accept the Gerber files produced by the Altium PCB editor.

GerbEx only handles some basic Gerber commands and aborts if it sees anything else and I can’t find a way of telling Altium to produce simple Gerber files.

Unfortunately support and documentation for GerbEx appears to be non-existent. Anyone had any luck with this?

RE: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Isolation mill software.

2013-10-29 by Mark Harrison

Hi Mike,

I may try that. It’s probably easier than trying to figure out the 1,000+1 option settings in Altium or recompiling the GerbEx program.

Cheers,

Mark

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of mbushroe@...
Sent: Tuesday, 29 October 2013 10:27 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Isolation mill software.




I have never worked with Altium, and have not even taken a close look at Gerber files. Are the complex commands essentially combinations of simpler ones? If they don't require recalculation, then an awk script should be able to look for every occurrence of the complex command and replace it with several lines of simpler instructions to accomplish the same thing. If recalculations are required (for instance, a single command to produce an arc may need to be replaced by twenty straight line segments with carefully calculated endpoints for each one) then you might do better with a perl or python script to post-process the Gerber files from Altium so that GerbEx can handle them.

Mike

Unfortunately in my case won’t accept the Gerber files produced by the Altium PCB editor.

GerbEx only handles some basic Gerber commands and aborts if it sees anything else and I can’t find a way of telling Altium to produce simple Gerber files.

Unfortunately support and documentation for GerbEx appears to be non-existent. Anyone had any luck with this?