Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Laser "route" Printed Circuit Boards

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> Co2 lasers can only cut steel because the absorption co-efficient
> increases as the metal heats up making it heat even more etc etc, add
> some oxygen and it can be cut well though 50W will only cut shim.
> Copper on the other hand is exactly what the laser mirrors are
> generally made from (though gold plated) and is incredibly hard to cut
> even at foil thickness, I think you need KW of power.
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> You can use a laser to etch off a resist and then etch the board.
>
> Graham
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO%40yahoogroups.com>, Alan Rothenbush <alan@...>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I have a T-Tech PCB milling machine that works just great making
> PCBs for "standard-sized" components.
> >
> > For some of the surface mount stuff, though, it's a wee bit iffy;
> end mills of small enough diameter break and V shaped cutters cut too
> wide a swath.
> >
> > It occurs to me that laser beams are nice and thin, and that if we
> can laser cut thick steel slabs, we should also be able to laser route
> thin copper sheets.
> >
> > It seems like a guy _should_ be able to mount a small laser on the Z
> axis for outline milling the traces and then drill using the existing
> spindle.
> >
> > Is this nuts?
> >
> > If not, any getting started information gratefully appreciated.
> >
> >
> > Alan
> >
> >
> > --
> > Alan Rothenbush
> > Client and Research Services
> > IT Services
> > Simon Fraser University
> >
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