PCB Fabrication

Why make PCBs?

Customized electronics to meet product requirements
Customized footprint for product
Greater reliability
Ability to prototype & iterate faster
Better product integration

The machine that we are using is called the Stepcraft 420

In order to fabricate the FTDI board I will have to download the PCB traces and outline.

We also need the G-code in order to fabricate, Mr Steven taught us on how to use mods to generate our G-code for the milling machine.

Steps	Image
Download the PCB traces and outline image
Open mods and right click to get the menu --> programs --> open server program --> mill 2D png
Imput the trace image first
Press calculate
After you press calculate, it will show you the route

G-code

1)We need to put double sided tape at the base of the board so that it will secure the PCB to MDF board on the Stepcraft 420

2)Than we have to choose which position we want to place it in and than put masking tape at both end

3)Put the tool in and lock it but not too tight

Function	Image
Used for Trace
Used for Outline

Setting Axis

Axis	How to set?
Z-axis	Click Plunge button to set the Z axis (Orange arrow)
X & Y axis	Click on the Purple Arrow to set X and Y to Zero

Load the NC file into the software

Than click on CYCLE START

After you start, if you realise that it is not cutting deep enough u can change the Z value than click on the blue arrow and set to 0 than click on RUN FROM HERE

Sometimes when milling we will realise that there might be burs on the side, This is probably because the tool is blunt. When burs are found on the circuit we will have to use sand paper to remove the burs.

Types	Image
Without burs
With burs

Process of the fabrication on the laptop

The part that have already been cut will be yellow colour, the red line shows the direction
Video of UPDI
Video of UPDI outline

The finsh fabrication product for both FTDI and UPDI
After fabrication, I had to solder the FTDI and UPDI