Hello folks,

I found this product today, and already, things are looking good.
My CNC knowledge is extremely limited. (I develop hardware for audio applications) Cadsoft Eagle and Gerber files are what I know.



I want to do two things with this product.

- Front Panels for my product
- Prototype PCB's (just to test things on the fly)

I don't think I've understood what I need to buy to do this.
So far, my conclusion is:

- Micro1.2 ($1499, or $1799 on the shop)
- Drill/Router (to attach to the moving head of the CNC)
- drill bits

That should be enough to get up and running, right?
If so, can any of you recommend the drill/router? that I should get, as well as the bits?

Many thanks,

Rochey

Hi Rochey,

Welcome to the fray. It sounds like you just need a spindle and some endmills. We'll stock both by the time your micRo is ready to ship.

Cheers!

Hello Brainchild.

I need to be able to CNC 19" x 4.5" rack panels.

From what I've read, a standard micr1.2 won't have enough "travel" to cover that distance? What's the solution in that case? Can you extend the frame with longer threaded screws?
Also, some dull Q's:

a - how do you set the origin point? Do you move the the material to the top left corner, or move the drill point to the materials corner?
b - do you think the system can be trained to dispense little blobs of solder paste? that would be very very very very cool... and save us money that we normally spend on masks.

Cheers

/R

Hi again Rochey,

Rack panels are no problem, and with V1.2 you have two options: Cut 1/2 the panel and move it to cut the other 1/2 or utilize the "passthrough" under the X ways . I want to have a kit by launch that can feed sheet stock, allowing for long pieces to be milled continuously.

The point of origin is typically called the "Z" for 'zero point'. The Z can be established anywhere depending on the job, material etc. and can be established by using a point or 'wiggler' in the spindle, or milling a right angle in your sacrifice material, then using the RA as the Z.

Solder paste: Yes! The 3DP I've been working on would do that brilliantly.

So I've been scratching my head on potential projects for this one. (and getting more enthused by the minute).

- Solder paste
SRA Solder sells adaptors for standard solder paste syringes. (that replaces a plunges with air).
I'd like to make an alternative spindle that takes a syringe, and then have EMC2 control the air flow to push the solder paste through the nozzle.
Do you think that'd be possible?

- Pick * Place
Similar idea... if I can add a syringe with a controlled vaccuum source, then I can "pick" and "drop" by controlling the air going into the nozzle.
Again - can I control the air flow (on/off) with EMC2?
A little extra work, and I believe I could make the nozzle rotate with an additional stepper motor (with a component attached to it)...
but again, that will require additional control from EMC2.


I'm sorry, it seems that the questions I have are more about EMC2... but as you guys seem well versed in it, do you think what I have above is really achievable?

I have the ability to design basic circuits, and to get custom PCB's made. My issue is more on the software side.

By the way, if you can suggest an EMC2 forum to ask questions like this, I'd really appreciate it.
(e.g. can I record a solder mask manually using a joystick, then use the same file every time I want to make another board?)

Cheers

Rochey

Being brand new to machining, I'm getting to find all kinds of new tools (toys) to use. Could someone make a short list of other things than the micRo that would are necessary or very useful to have?

For instance, I've already picked up a machinist's square and have some calipers for making good measurements. I have a multimeter to check connections should I have any problems (not that I'm expecting any). I see some kind of oil being used during some of the videos, but I can't really tell what it is.

What's in your micRo toolbox?

Liphel-
Well... Let's see.. Essential tools I can think of off the top of my head are:

Lubrication. (most light-weight oils will do)
Allen Wrenches. All of them.
Various machinist precision squares.
Digital calipers.
A set of jewelers screw-drivers.
Smallish pliers.
#1 and #2 phillips head screw drivers.
Feeler gauges. Only useful every once in a while, but you'll be happy to have them then.
A couple razor blades and some scissors.
Masking tape.
An assortment of screws and bolts for impromptu jigging.
Furniture clamps and various C-clamps.
A couple steel rulers (both 12" and 18" come in handy often).
An x-acto knife.
A calculator (constantly invaluable).
Carbuerator (sp?) cleaner. It's nasty, but it cleans when nothing else works.
Shop rags.

Ok, mostly these are things useful in conjunction with the micRo... And you could definitely live without half of those things, but none of it is particularly expensive..