Will be watching this build with interest. I'm currently putting together a C-Beam with the same primary function of milling PCBs in mind with the added advantage of being able to cut plates for a much larger machine later when I learn enough. Also had in the back of my mind the possibility of adding the 3D printing and laser capability to it later on as well. Nice to see someone else with similar thinking.

 

Out of interest, have you tried milling a board on the XL? Just wondering how suitable a C-Beam would be for this

 

For making pcb's this diy machine is way too expensive. Although it looks nice, but I built a 3d diy machine for a third of the price.

 

It's an Anet A6 3d printer. If you google around you find really cheap prices. Here's the picture:

 

Hi,

I am on the same track for primarily engraving PCBs. Resolution should be totaly fine (can go for 32 micro steps wit DRV drivers, if needed) but the bed has to be tightly leveled as well as cutting width will vary at least for V-bits. And, according to Metalguru (https://openbuilds.com/threads/upgrading-the-“old”-c-beam-machine.6904/page-3#post-63193) leveling and keeping it level can be tricky with the stock C-beam setup. Looking at the Y-gantry and its wheels with short distances makes this very plausible, at least for me.

Also, the PCBs tend to be bend or bowed if not fixed to the bed, i.e. with a vacuum chuck or double sided tape.
After googling around, it seems to be a good strategy to combine a resist with the engraving for the first trials. If cuts are not deep enough, you can just etch it afterwards and get a perfectly clean PCB instead of throwing it away.

I am still waiting for my C-beam parts but I already ordered 500mm SBR12 linear rails to support the bed edges, similar to Machineguru's setup here: https://openbuilds.com/builds/c-beam-machine-too.3637/

Cheers,
Till

 

Hi Theodewijs,

I guess, you are referring to 3D printer setups, that rely on etching in the end?
Etching PCBs With A 3D Printer
Entry-Level 3D Printer Becomes Budget PCB Machine

For me, PCB engraving is meant to avoid etching and get the time consuming drilling done together with the layout. Putting press fit vias into the board is already enough of a hussle.
At least, I would personally like to get rid of drilling and etching ...

My Folgertech FT-5 with MGN12 rails could be up to the light engraving task. There is a "CNC" kit for it (long sold out - and a Folgertech CNC is advertised...). But, regarding material price of the FT-5 kit + CNC addon and build time this is already close to a C-beam router and it still would not cut aluminum at all. Also, I strongly believe, the FT-5 will start to dismantle and break sooner or later - to much leverage and vibrations in the whole fragile 2020 structure.

Of course, if you go for pre-inking and scratching, modding a 3D printer is a very nice approach.

If you get a PCB fine pitch direct engraver out of the A6, I will be one of the first adopters.
But I believe, the belt backlash and soft frame of the A6 are not up to this task. But, please prove me wrong!

 

I just figured that bCNC has autolevel build in like the autolevel firmware in 3D printers. This will make life much easier.