Synth-DIY Yahoo! Groups Archives

PCB Isolation routing software?

2016-12-24 by me@...

I have a cheap Chinese mill. Right now I am using it for drilling only. I just didn't like the results I was getting with milling even on some of my best jobs.

I am looking for some cheap and easy to use isolation routing software.

Here is an excellent one

Rapid PCB to GCode for CNC milling

Upload Gerber_RS247X signal file Drag and drop Gerber_RS247X signal file here. Load inverted Position X offset: mm Y offset: mm Contour Count:

View on rapid-pcb.com

Preview by Yahoo

It is online. Really easy to use! The only problem is it does not do tool changes. :(

I have also looked at FlatCam which is really clunky and hard to use. It's main issue is that it sets the origin way far from where it should be and it least looks like it is not generating all of the holes.

PCBMill is free but again no tool change.

I am trying to download RepRap but it is taking forever.

PCBGcode was the first I looked at but it requires Eagle and I don't use Eagle. I find it rather cumbersome to use.

Any other ideas? Again, all I want to do is drilling so as long as it does that well.

RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] PCB Isolation routing software?

2016-12-24 by Paul

You may want to take a look at this one: http://flatcam.org/. Totally free.

J J

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2016 1:57 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] PCB Isolation routing software?

I have a cheap Chinese mill. Right now I am using it for drilling only. I just didn't like the results I was getting with milling even on some of my best jobs.

I am looking for some cheap and easy to use isolation routing software.

Here is an excellent one

Rapid PCB to GCode for CNC milling

Upload Gerber_RS247X signal file Drag and drop Gerber_RS247X signal file here. Load inverted Position X offset: mm Y offset: mm Contour Count:

View on rapid-pcb.com

Preview by Yahoo

It is online. Really easy to use! The only problem is it does not do tool changes. :(

I have also looked at FlatCam which is really clunky and hard to use. It's main issue is that it sets the origin way far from where it should be and it least looks like it is not generating all of the holes.

PCBMill is free but again no tool change.

I am trying to download RepRap but it is taking forever.

PCBGcode was the first I looked at but it requires Eagle and I don't use Eagle. I find it rather cumbersome to use.

Any other ideas? Again, all I want to do is drilling so as long as it does that well.

Re: PCB Isolation routing software?

2016-12-24 by me@...

Mentioned Flatcam in my post. Thanks.

Re: PCB Isolation routing software?

2016-12-25 by me@...

I ended up playing with FlatCam a bit more. It is a bit clunky to use but not too bad as long as you keep at it. It does tool changes just like I wanted. I am just doing drilling so FlatCam works pretty well for that.

I might go with this until I find something better .

FlatCam 8.5 question HELP!!

2016-12-29 by bnf@...

I down loaded Flatcam 8.5 I was able to up load my Gerber file for the copper side top and get it to generate the isolation cutting trace but for the life of me I can not figure how to get it to generated the G-code for cutting.

I read through the manual it shows Under the options tab there is a section labeled Create CNC job where Z cut , feed rates, tool change etc etc but no "button" to click on for generating the G-code.

If G-code is being generated I have no idea where it is being saved.

Please can any one HELP I am at a loss as how to actually access the G-code from the program to run on my machine.

Ben

Re: PCB Isolation routing software?

2016-12-30 by me@...

You really should start your own thread.

I have only done drilling so far but I am pretty sure milling works like drilling.

You first import your file from your favorite design software. This will create a project item. This item will have a Generate button for the CNC job. Pressing that button creates the CNC job. You generate the gcode from thge cnc job.