Re: direct printing PCBs

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Sebastien Bailard - Dubsen

> Hey Graham,
>
> I've been meaning to ask you, any interest in helping design a

wire-EDM head

> to go on a RepRap?
>
> Regards,
>
> -Sebastien Bailard
> reprap.org
>

Although sometimes described as a precision band saw its just a tad
more complicated and doesn't really suit a modular approach.

Its not as simple as just setting a cutting head running before
watching a part fall out, it is a project as big as your reprap itself
getting something that will produce decent parts. I'm only trying
myself because I make a set of assumptions such as "I will cut only
small parts", "I will only cut material up to 3mm thick", "I will
accept super slow cutting speeds".

One thing you need to consider is the space that spools of wire, wire
tensioning equipment, filters, pumps, tanks etc will take up then if
you use water you need a de-ionizer and if you use oil you need
somewhere to store that. It also isn't exactly rapid.

So I guess the answer is no but if I do get something working it will
be available in some open-source format I should think.

Graham

p.s. Do a search on this group for wire ECM, it might suit better if
you can stand the accuracy (not that I know what it is). The
advantage is that the wire is not consumed, it might also be faster
and the control should be easier. But I'm still sceptical.