PCB Milling

Bantam PCB

From mills to lathes to industrial grinders, there are many types of CNC machines, each with their own unique capabilities. The Fabrication Underground offers a Bantam CNC for cutting Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). 

The Bantam PCB cutter is a small 3 axis mill specifically designed to cut traces on single sided or double sided copper coated circuit boards.

Understanding the Technology

What is CNC: Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining is a process where pre-programmed computer software directs the movement of factory tools and machinery, like lathes, mills and routers. 

CNC Materials: PCB board.

CNC Benefits: CNC is used by many industries because it offers a high level of automation, greater accuracy and repeatability over the manual machining processes. 

CNC Disadvantages: CNC programming requires an understanding of the manual machining process, raising the barrier to entry beyond other manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing. Fortunatly programming the Bantam for PCB operations isn't too bad with the aid of Autodesk Eagle/Fusion 360.

Bantam PCB Specifications

• Working Volume – 5.5 × 4.5 × 1.35 in / 140 × 114 × 34.3 mm

• Max XYZ Traverse Speed – 100 in/min / 2,600 mm/min

• Spindle Speed – 8,500 – 26,000 rpm

• Accuracy – <0.003’’ per 6’’ linear travel

• Repeatability – ± 0.001″

• PCB Cut Speed – Up to 100 in/min / 2,600 mm/min

• File Input – EAGLE BRD (.brd) / Gerber RS-274X (.gtl and .grb) G-code (.nc and .tap) SVG (.svg)

• Materials – FR-1 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Blanks

Availability

The Bantam PCB is available by reservation to certified faculty, students, and staff for academic, research, and personal project use. The Bantam is a desktop CNC and is not intended for volume production.

Reserve a Desktop CNC Mill

The Desktop CNC mills are available by reservation only. To reserve a CNC mill, check the Reservation Calendar for CNC mill availability and reserve your spot via the Reservation Request Form. We will respond with a confirmation as soon as possible.

Reserving equipment in the Fabrication Underground is a 3 step process:

1. Earn the appropriate Equipment Certification; see our Canvas Course.

2. Check the equipment schedule on the Resource Calendar.

3. Reserve time using the Reservation Request Form.

Learn How to Use the Bantam PCB Mill

To learn how to design for, safely operate, and earn your operator certification, please visit our Canvas Course.  Additional learning materials are available below.

Fabrication Underground:

• Guide to Electronic Workbench

Bantam Operation:

• Eagle CAD for Bantam

• Bantam Operators Guide

• Bantam Projects

• Basic PCB Workflow with the Desktop PCB Milling Machine

• Advanced PCB Workflow with the Desktop PCB Milling Machine

PCB Layout: 

• Eagle Overview

• Creating Circuits with EAGLE

• Autodesk Eagle Product Download Page

• Getting Started Autodesk EAGLE Part 1

• Getting Started Autodesk EAGLE Part 2

• Schematic Basics Part 1 - Search, Place, Move

• Schematic Basics Part 2 - Nets and Values

• Schematic Basics Part 3 - ERC

• PCB Layout Basics Part 1: How to Place Your Components

• PCB Layout Basics Part 2: Routing & Autorouting

• PCB Layout Basics Part 3: Design Rule Check

• Library Basics Part 1 - Creating Your First Package in Autodesk EAGLE

• Library Basics Part 2: Creating Your First Symbol in Autodesk EAGLE

• Library Basics Part 3: Creating Your First Device in Autodesk EAGLE

• Autodesk Eagle Libraries for Download

• Fusion 360 Integration with EAGLE

Digi-Key Learning:

• Create PCBs for Rapid Prototyping – Part 1 – Setting up a Bantam Tools PCB Milling Machine

• Create PCBs for Rapid Prototyping – Part 3 – Creating & Milling a Single Sided PCB

• Create PCBs for Rapid Prototyping – Part 4 – Creating & Milling a Double Sided PCB

Sparkfun Learning:

• PCB Basics

• Using EAGLE to Make a Circuit Schematic

• Using EAGLE to Make a PCB Layout

• Making Custom Footprints in EAGLE

• How to Read a Schematic