![]() ![]() These detection routines look for electrical contact between the head and bed in order to confirm where the physical limits are. Importantly too, there’s automatic detection routines to set the Z-height, and detect bracketry. There’s no math converting steps to distance, or any of the other related challenges that exist with generic software. This means you’re just a dropdown away from the correct selection. It is dedicated to the Desktop Milling Machine, so there’s no configuration of machine limits, and there are built-in selections for using Bantam’s genuine milling bits. PCB MILLING SOFTWARE SOFTWAREThe software is very straight forward to use. There are some test-projects included in the box, to help familiarise yourself with everything too (more on that later). Really, there is no substantial configuration required at all, it’s really very plug-and-play, even if you haven’t used any type of CNC machine before. So we were glad to see Bantam’s own milling software is cross-platform. Though we do have a few PCs around as required, it’s about 95% Apple hardware. Installation of the software is clean and simple. For us, we’re comfortable with either, so stick with the imperial measurements in this instance, purely for consistency and ease of conversion. Many imperial measurements can result in many decimal points in a metric unit, especially when working at tolerances such as 0.001” (one mil), which is 0.0254 millimeters. The software will operate in imperial or metric units, just be conscious of both and be careful with any conversions you may have to make. You can’t always round that up to a clean 8mm. ![]() Sure, everything can be converted to metric, but you’re using 1/32” tools for instance, which is 0.79375mm. This is a milling machine after all, so keeping it clean is going to keep it running well for many years.īeing a machine designed and developed in the USA, you may need to get used to working in imperial measurements to some degree. This magnetised window design provides premium safety, without creating a major hurdle for access, which you will need regularly for tool changes, material changes, and just general cleaning. PCB MILLING SOFTWARE WINDOWSThere’s a large emergency stop button on the side, and reed switches in the windows also stop the machine if they’re removed. Software can pause/stop the job at any time. The print bed is made from an aluminium t-slot, with precisely located threads for bolting down the wasteboard, and bracketry. Anti-backlash fittings help the moving parts resist the urge to recoil, increasing positional accuracy of all moving parts. We also notice anti-backlash fittings (backlash occurs in machines like this when the motors stop, and the part moving can move in the opposite direction briefly, like a recoil). They’ve also thoughtfully added some consideration to the mounting of the slide rails to allow for some tolerances, which is needed when temperatures fluctuate, and we suspect also provide an amount of shock absorption for any vibrations. This is especially important when 1/100th inch tolerances are sometimes required. Motor to gantry/head connections are all leadscrew driven, so there’s no belt-wear to worry about. It’s all slide rail/slide bearings taking the weight for smooth action. Just enough of everything, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. The acrylic windows are held in place by magnets, so they’re very easily removed to assist with tool-change access, material insertion and removal, and even to get a vacuum in there to remove dust and debris. Large clear acrylic windows are part of the design, so you can easily see what’s going on. ![]() It’s supplied fully assembled, and the case is made from thick HDPE, with aluminium and precision ground steel for the rails, bed, and other parts where the structural strength is required. Barely five minutes since running a knife through the tape on the box, and we’re ready to start milling. ![]() For the most part, we were purchasing kits with pre-made PCBs when it mattered, so there was little thought given to it.įast forward a few decades to a world we barely dreamed about then, and we find ourselves with 3D printers, and CNC machines that are just about as accessible as all other electronics. Of course, some of that was probably equipment error or user error, but likely a combination of the two, since the processes themselves are reliable. PCB MILLING SOFTWARE TRIALIt was always treated as something that was trial and error, or you really had to have more experience to achieve success. I recall in high school messing about with PCB etching, using etch-resistant pens for hand-drawn circuits, and achieving mixed results with exposure-methods. This powerful mill makes light work of prototyping, with simple software and great accuracy. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |