Homebrew PCBs

AFAIK  gcode is programming code for CAD/CAM software to routing holes in the drilling process

Wondered if  bundle software come with  X/Y axis easy design , this is vector-graphics enabled
rather than "bitmapped" (points instead of lines)

At first glance it would be an asset if an average user shouldn't be involved with learning gcode
programming  if the cutter comes with a visual oriented interface 

So design can be transparent to the
user even without knowing the intricacies  of CAD/CAM software.

Comments about Silhouette Studio software are welcome specially from those already using it.

btw, I have seen only the so called CriCut that seems having similar concept to  Silhouette Cameo.

How they can be compared ?

Are these paper cutters suitable for an average electronic hobbyist/diyer trying to do their own PCBs  at home with only a cutter with X/Y blades and a Dremel flexible shaft ?


TIA

Samuel


Re: More on - Produce Quick & Cheap PCBs with a CNC paper cutter   
Wed Sep 12, 2012 5:46 am        (PDT)        . Posted by: 

"Mark Lerman"         mark_from_pomona   

I would guess that there's a lot of runout on this, which does limit 
the minimum trace width. One thing I might try when my Sillhoute 
comes in is to use a laser to remove paint resist. You should also 
use some sort of vacuum system to suck up the fiberglass dust.

If the machine is mechanically adequate for pcb milling, 

the next  step would be to convert it to use gcode like a standard cnc. 


This  should be relatively easy for someone "skilled in the art".

Mark

At 06:11 AM 9/12/2012, you wrote:
>I think he's using a flexible shaft extension like this:
>
>http://www.dremel. com/en-us/ attachments/ Pages/ProductDet ail.aspx? pid=225-01
>
>
>
>--- In Homebrew_PCBs@ yahoogroups. com, teknochaman <teknochaman@ ...> wrote:
> >
> > Amazing idea using a Dremel.
> >
> > btw, does anybody know which is the pictured Dremel model ?
> >
> > That will help to understand  works that can be done with it
> >
> > Mine is far thicker and heavier to be supported by a small cutter
> >
> >
> > Hint or comments about the drilling  part are highly appreciated.
> >
> >
> > Best,
> >
> > Samuel
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ ________
> >
> >
> > Re: More on - Produce Quick & Cheap PCBs with a CNC paper cutter
> >
> > Mon Sep 10, 2012 7:48 am (PDT) . Posted by:
> > "Mark Lerman" mark_from_pomona
> >
> > You've inspired me - I just ordered a Sillhoute Cameo!
> >
> > I have a few
> > other ideas on how to use it and will post the results!
> >
> > Mark
> >
> > At 12:39 PM 9/8/2012, you wrote:
> >
> >
> > >I'm back for a second round. This time I changed tacks - I have
> > >turned the $270 CNC paper cutter into a 2.1D mill for mil-etching
> > >PCBs - instead of the original drag-knife method. See video here
> > >http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=rDRN1_i0vJU and some updated info
> > >here http://research. microsoft. com/en-us/ projects/ papercutterpcbs/
> > >
> > >I haven't calibrated the setup yet like ipm, position tolerance and
> > >repeatability and minimum isolation track width & repeatability but
> > >that will come. The original method I was trying to perfect was to
> > >drag a carbide knife through copper cladding to affect electrical
> > >isolation but the swarf remaining was a problem.
> > >
> > >Mike
> > ____________ _________ ___
> >
>