Re: Help?? CNC PCB Drilling Machine

List

I worried about the leakages between copper lines on the
boards 'etched' by sparking and although I found none in my playing,
the concerns are all valid. My guess is that a quick chemical etch
would be a good idea, maybe after drilling, just to clean up the
boards. It seems to me that this would be a reasonable step for
boards made in the conventional method as well. How does one know
before testing a wired assembly whether there may be a leak
somewhere?

I like Jon's suggestions about more careful board surface grounding
to ensure complete connection.

And Jon, I split a standard pencil to rescue a short length of 0.072"
diameter electrode material. The electrode shows no wear from the
sparking and other abuse subjected and shows hope. (It may be a bit
shorter but shows no pitting).

There is still much to learn and all ideas are helpful. Richard

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "turbulatordude"
<davemucha@j...> wrote:

> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Alan Marconett KM6VV
> <KM6VV@a...> wrote:
> > Hi Jon, List,
> >
> > A neat idea, but I'm wondering about the "carbon tracks" which
> usually
> > accompany arcs on PCBs. This could render a board useless.
> >
> > Might be a little to keep the board "grounded" as traces are
> isolated.
> >
> > Anyone ready to try it? I'd like to hear the results!
> >
> > Alan KM6VV
>
>
> I would worry about the etching being complete near the electrical
> path but not as complete on the side of the etch that is near the
> isolated pads.
>
> Makes me wonder if there is a conductive coating that would act as

a

> resist also.
>
> that way, one could etch with EDM, then polish with ferric chloride
> to scrub any thing sections.
>
> seems like a great idea !
>
> any idea what software can be used to program tool paths etching
> isolated sections first ?
>
> Dave