Tools for Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) Prototyping
Think & Tinker / PreciseBits has been involved in the design and manufacture of precision carbide tools for the printed circuit industry for over 40 years. During that time we have developed cutters for use in virtually every aspect of electronic prototyping and production. Our entire family of printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication tools and supplies is compatible with
desktop PCB prototyping machines.
What are depth rings?
What are depth rings and what tools can have them?
Depth setting rings are plastic collars that are securely pressed onto the 1/8 in. shank of a drill bit, end-mill, router bit, or similar rotary cutter. There is no charge to add the rings, but the user is cautioned to make sure that their equipment is compatible with their use.
Most PreciseBits 1/8 in. shank bits are available with or without depth setting rings. Bits that can't have rings are:
- End-mills smaller than 0.005" (0.127mm)
- Shanks longer than 1.50" OAL
- Cutting depths or necks longer than 0.50"
- SRD kerf cutters (MM5D8)
How do they work and why would I want them?
The shank side of the ring (top side in the picture to the right) is accurately positioned (d ±0.004 in.) relative to the tip of the tool. If the shank-side of the ring is pressed against the collet when the tool is loaded, the tip of the bit will be a known distance (d) from the face of the collet. Knowing this distance, the programmer can plunge the tool, confident that the depth of cut will be as expected and will remain the same no matter how many times the tool is changed. If all of the tools in the programmer's magazine have been fitted with depth setting rings, an automatic tool changer can load and unload tools with the tip of each one the same distance from the face of the collet.
This is especially helpful with micro-tools where "touching-off" on some reference surface to calibrate the tool height can damage or break the tip of the tool. Rings also find widespread use in inlay pocket cutting where relatively large diameter cutters are used to "hog out" basic shapes, followed by much smaller diameter finishing bits that clean up the edges, sharpen the corners and add fine detail to the finished part.
LPKF and T-Tech
The most common value for d is 0.800 in. (industry standard). However, with the advent of mechanically etching printed circuit boards in the mid 1970s, a new standard was implemented for the special purpose tools developed for this application.
Today, only machines made by LPKF and T-Tech adhere to this special standard. Systems from AccurateCNC, MITS, Sun and EverPrecision are compatible with the original industry standard depth of 0.800 in.
LPKF and T-Tech users must specify the make and model number of their CNC routers to insure that the rings are properly positioned!
PreciseBits thin-web (0.005", 0.127mm) "V" tip cutters combine fine-line engraving with the extra rigidity needed for high feed rates. Applications include scoring, marking, scrimshaw, and engraving wood, thermoplastics and non-ferrous metals.
2-flute and 3-flute tapered stub end-mills are designed around a 15° tapered core and flute profile, resulting in tools that are as stiff and durable as conventional V-tip cutters while offering superior machining of the electrolytic copper foil on copperclad substrates for printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication.
Our 2-flute stub end-mills are characterized by low aspect ratio flute geometries insuring low deflection and long bit life at relatively high feed-rates. The precise radial relief reduces burr formation and chattering resulting in smoother, more uniform cutting.
Our 2-flute stub end-mills are characterized by low aspect ratio flute geometries insuring low deflection and long bit life at relatively high feed-rates. The precise radial relief reduces burr formation and chattering resulting in smoother, more uniform cutting.
2-flute rubout end-mills with the tip geometry optimised for the rapid, precise removal of large areas of copper foil. Extensively used for plunge milling in the shaping of ground planes and on-substrate heat spreaders.
PreciseBIT chip-breaker routers have been optimized for machining FR-4 epoxy/glass, glass-phenolic, polyamide, and other common PCB substrates under high chip-loads with little or no top-edge fraying or delamination. The relatively large flute volume and high core strength makes these bits the tool of choice for machining carbon fiber.
PreciseBIT diamond-cut routers have been optimized for machining copperclad substrates where top edge fidelity and smoothness are absolutely required. The cross-cut diamond flute pattern makes these bits suitable for grinding partially fired bisque and alumina ceramics.
3-flute end-mills optimized for contouring and depanelling paper and linen phenolic substrates. Used primarily to contour low-cost substrates that do not contain glass fibers.
PreciseBIT number (wire-size) drill bits for drilling FR glass and carbon-fiber substrates feature a 4-facet tip geometry with polished flute faces to insure self-cleaning under high plunge rates. Primarily used for fabricating printed circuit boards with imperial (inch) specifications.
PreciseBIT metric drill bits for drilling FR glass and carbon-fiber substrates feature a 4-facet tip geometry with polished flute faces to insure self-cleaning under high plunge rates. Primarily used for fabricating printed circuit boards with metric specifications.
PreciseBIT fractional-inch drill bits for drilling FR glass and carbon-fiber substrates feature a 4-facet tip geometry with polished flute faces to insure self-cleaning under high plunge rates. Primarily used for drilling mounting holes in substrates with imperial (inch) specifications.
4-flute, center-cutting carbide countersink. Unlike conventional countersinks, which are designed solely for plunge cutting, the EM4E8 family of Scoring/Engraving tools can also be used for light v-carving, beveling, scoring and engraving.
Premium grade 1ounce (33 micron) and half ounce (17 micron) copperclad with fully annealed, electrolytic copper foil. The perfect substrate for the fabrication of both mechanically milled and chemically etched printed circuits.
Backing material is used underneath copperclad substrates during drilling and contour routing operations. The precise degree of tempering creates a high-shear condition as a drill bit exits the bottom of the copperclad and enters the backing sheet. This virtually eliminates the formation of exit burrs, even for large, shallow point bits.
Tempered B10 lamination grade aluminum entry foil is specially designed the minimize drill tip deflection (dancing) during high-speed drilling operations. The sheet hardness is adjusted to increase shearing forces as a drill bit passes from the entry foil and enters the the top copper layer, totally eliminating entry burr formation.
ME Lube significantly reduces the formation of potentially hazardous micron and sub-micron sized airborne particulates common when cutting features in PCBs or machining G-10, FR4, carbon fiber or phenolic substrates.
An effective solution for removing fine copper "hairs" that might cause shorts in tight circuit patterns. Ideal for preparing copper surfaces for soldering. FuzzBrush and FuzzBrush Max are lightweight and comfortable to use.
An innovative modular rail system for protecting, displaying and transporting precision cutting tools. Accommodates shank sizes from 3.0mm to 1/2 in.
The 3 station multi-rail mounting plate is designed to provide a secure platform for wall and cabinet mounting of SecureBits tool storage rails. Fabricated from corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel, the mounting plate can be mounted directly to a wall or hung on inch-format pegboard.