PCB Board & CNC

Workflow

MakeraCam

Preparing the Design

1. Start a New Project
   • Open a new 3D project.
   • Set the material to PCB via Edit → Material → PCB.
   • Enter the material dimensions:
     • X: 127 mm
     • Y: 101 mm
     • Z: 1.7 mm
2. Download Required Files (here or in the FAB Lab Drive)
   • Resistance1-PTH.drl.zip
   • Resistance1-F_Cu.gbr.zip
   • Resistance1-Edge_Cuts.gbr.zip
3. Import Files into MakeraCAM
   • File → Import PCB → Downloads → Resistance1-Edge_Cuts.gbr → Open
   • Repeat for: • Resistance1-PTH.drl • Resistance1-F_Cu.gbr
4. Set the Anchor Point (Lower Left Corner)
   • Select the entire design (drag to highlight everything).
   • Press the “m” key.
   • In the anchor pop-up, select the lower-left corner in the diagram (top right of the screen).
   • Under Location, enter:
     • X: 6
     • Y: 6
   • The design should shift to align with the axes and be offset from the material edge.

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Toolpath Creation

Copper Removal (2D Pocket)

1. In the 2D Layers panel, hide:
   • Resistance1-F_Cu.gbr_pad
   • Resistance1-PTH.drl_0.900 mm
   • Resistance1-PTH.drl_1.400 mm
2. Go to 2D Path → 2D Pocket.
3. Select all visible parts of the design.
4. Set End Depth to 0.05 mm.
5. Add the following tools:
   • 8 mm Corn
   • 0.2 mm × 30° Engraving (Metal)
6. Click Calculate.

Drilling Holes

1. Go to 2D Path → 2D Drilling.
2. In 2D Layers, hide all but the layer with drill holes.
3. Set End Depth to 1.7 mm.
4. Add tool: 8 mm Corn.
5. Click Calculate.

Cutting the Outline

1. Go to 2D Path → 2D Contour.
2. In 2D Layers, only show Resistance1-Edge_Cuts.gbr.
3. Set:
   • End Depth: 1.7 mm
   • Strategy: Outside
4. Under Tabs, select:
   • Type: Custom
   • Shape: Triangle
   • Click Add, then place 3 tabs evenly spaced along the board outline.
5. Add tool: 8 mm Corn.
6. Click Calculate.

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Exporting the File

• To export the toolpath directly: Path → Export → Export or
• To edit later on the milling machine computer: File → Save As, choose .mkc format and save in Downloads.
• Upload the final file to your folder in the Fab Google Drive. You can download my G-code file here: BlackSResistorPracticegcode

Using the CNC Machine

Installing the Material

1. Slightly loosen all bolts on the machine bed except the three that are fully inside the metal jig/holder. (Use the screwdriver on the right side of the machine.)
2. If there’s already a copper board on the bed with a design in the lower-left corner:
   • Remove and reposition it if possible, or replace it with a new board.
3. Place the PCB on the CNC bed so your design will be located in the bottom-left corner, matching the orientation from MakeraCAM.
4. Adjust the rectangular metal clamps:
   • Keep the bolts in place.
   • Slide and rotate each rectangular holder so the PCB can be placed under the loosened bolts.
   • Once the PCB is in position, rotate/move the rectangular holders back so the short end with the slot is pressing against the material, securing it.
5. Tighten all loosened bolts so the PCB is held firmly in place—secure, but not overly tight.

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Running the File

1. Download your .nc G-code file from the Fab Google Drive.
2. Open Cavera Controller on the milling machine.

3. Upload the file:

   • Click Open File (top left) → Upload File → choose your file from Downloads → Upload & Select.

4. Set the machine to idle:

   • Click Idle (top left) → choose the correct COM Port.

5. Open additional options:

   • Top right dropdown → Display Manual Controls → Home.
6. Under Tool Status, make sure the Voltage is above 3.6V.

7. On the bottom bar, second icon from the right:

   • Check Auto Vacuum
   • Check Auto-Levelling
   • Click Run
8. The machine will probe the surface at 25 points for auto-leveling, then automatically begin milling your design.

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Images

• This shows the copper in the CNC machine before being milled

• This is a photo of my board after milling while it was still in the CNC machine

• Board after milling and removing it from the machine

Issues

I did not experience any issues while working on this project.