cyclone-pcb-factory/README.md

Cyclone-PCB-Factory v0.9.7  
===================

The first 3D-printable (Rep-Rap alike) CNC machine, intended for PCB manufacture.  

![ScreenShot](https://github.com/carlosgs/Cyclone-PCB-Factory/raw/master/Media/Cyclone_built_v0.9.7.jpg)

Disclaimer  
--
This hardware/software is provided "as is", and you use the hardware/software at your own risk. Under nocircumstances shall Carlosgs be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use, misuse, or inability to use this hardware/software, even if Carlosgs has been advised of the possibility of such damages.  

News  
--  
**Hardware**  
- Note: The linear bearings of the X carriage must be glued in place (use epoxy or similar) since vibrations produced by the spindle motor move the bearings out of place.
- v0.9.7 has an improved Z carriage: uses much less plastic, it holds the spindle tightly and leaves more metal surface exposed for better cooling.
- v0.9.6b has a robust Y axis motor stand (improvement suggested and tested by **Yopero**), and the Z carriage now shows the name of the machine (how cool is that? :P)  

**Software**  
- First Z probing results are promising, read: <https://plus.google.com/u/0/113437723819360223498/posts/9VCHqqnirj6> and <https://plus.google.com/u/0/113437723819360223498/posts/89W2cv1fgQW>  
- Added the python probing script (v0.1) and Octave/Matlab visualizer  
- Based on PyGerber2Gcode.py script  

**Firmware**  
- No news, it is Marlin with support for G30 probing command  

Videos  
--  
- v0.9.6 Y axis concept by Yopero <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzcobonQP40>
- v0.9.5 Probing a PCB <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5zXL8k5T9E>  
- v0.9.5 Milling MDF <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QpxjheEjEc> and <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjav0hBtmYA>  
- v0.8 Drawing test: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-HSdE89JOM>  
- v0.7.5 XY axis test: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9umlq4oHG64>  
- v0.7.5 High speed XY test: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3uYCXryj60>  

Bill of materials  
--  
<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AsQp8IK25R4IdGk3LTdOWmpFR0Nrc0RhaVJaUC1CMUE>  
**TODO:** Add general hardware, motors and electronics to the list.  

Notes  
--  
- Using a thick wood piece as the main base.  
- As shown in one of the pictures, a cheap dremel-like drill has nice bearings and is a good option as the main tool. **Finally it will be using a proper spindle** (check the BOM for the reference).  
- Desired working range of >=100mm for the X axis and >=160mm for the Y axis.  
- Parts are designed to be printable with the small volume of a Printrbot Jr  
- Bed leveling will be done with probing and an appropriate software.  

To-Do list  
--  
- [DONE] Design parts for the X axis (this includes Z axis too, **will be using a proper spindle instead of a hand-drill**)  
- [DONE] Design parts for the Y axis  
- [DONE] Create template for the screws in the wood base  
- Hardware: Reinforce left&right frames  
- Firmware: Test various buffering/jerk configurations for Marlin  
- Software: Export Z probing to a standarized file, add bilinear interpolation  
- Manufacture a PCB (till then, it can't be v1.0 :P)...  

Software  
--  
Here is a compilation of links that have inspired the software controller (specifically the Z probing technique):  

- <http://www.re-innovation.co.uk/web12/index.php/en/blog-75/181-making-pcbs-with-a-cnc-machine>  
- <http://phk.freebsd.dk/CncPcb/>  
- <http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/wiki.pl?Touch_Probe>  
- <http://things.onshoulders.org/software/PcbSubtraction.php>  
- <http://www.cnczone.com/forums/pcb_milling/82628-cheap_simple_height-probing-5.html>  
- <http://drillcity.stores.yahoo.net/>  
- <http://www.drewtronics.net/>  

- **Examples of the PCB probing method**  
 - onshouldersTv: Open Source Circuit Boards at Home <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-5SRtwx3kY>  
 - PCB routing using the Probe method <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwgT9sCL8fs>  
- <http://pcbgcode.org/>  
- <http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/pcb2gcode/index.php?title=Main_Page>  
- Very interesting toguether with cam.py: <http://code.google.com/p/pygerber2gcode/>  
- <http://replicat.org/generators>  
- For arranging panels: <http://ruggedcircuits.com/gerbmerge/>  

License  
--
License: **Attribution - Share Alike - Creative Commons (<http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>)**  

Authors:  
--
- **Carlosgs (<http://carlosgs.es>)**
- **yOPERO (<http://yopero-tech.blogspot.com.es/>)**

Special thanks  
--  
- Y axis improvement by **yOPERO** <https://github.com/carlosgs/Cyclone-PCB-Factory/pull/1>
- Z axis concepts by **Quim Borras** and the spindle motor holder by **Misan** were really useful!! Also, **Diego Viejo**'s machine was of great inspiration for the Z axis (<https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/113930344830086538817/albums/5868944432651911713?authkey=CLDJgdehlN773gE>) **Thank you all!!**  
- This design woudn't have been possible without the encouragement of the **Panda CNC community** (<https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/102402711800402614517>)  
- Also, thanks to **Obijuan** (<http://iearobotics.com>) for naming the machine Cyclone :)  

Derived from / we have used / inspirational  
--
- "Linear actuator concept for CNC machines" by **Carlosgs** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:45103>)  
- "Parametric openscad beveled cube" by **Obijuan** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:29842>)  
- "Minimal footprint friction-fit LM8UU holder" by **thantik** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:23041>)  
- "Spindle mount for ShapeOko" by **Misan** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:26740>)  
- "Carro Z para Cyclone CNC mill intended for PCB" by **Quim** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:80718>)  
- Write.scad (and DXF fonts) by **HarlanDMii** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:16193>)  
- "PCB Machining Vise" by **Forgetful_Guy** (<http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:63578>)  

Credit for the ideas used  
--  
The origin of Cyclone took place while I was inside the **Panda CNC** community (<https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/102402711800402614517>). This is from December 2012 to mid-February 2013.  
Here is the credit for the ideas that were used:  

* _Let's design a 3D-printable CNC for PCB milling, it will be named Panda:_ **Guillermo Welch** (mid-December, via Google Talk)  
* _X carriage rod distribution:_ **César Augusto Fernández Cano** claims Cyclone's X axis is a derivate of his concept: <https://plus.google.com/u/0/111421387442355054591/posts/QrfYtEuZBaj>  
* _100x160mm workspace:_ **David Martin** <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16122275/PandaCNC_credit/workplace_size.png>  
* _Using gears to drive the X-Y axes:_ **Guillermo Welch** <https://plus.google.com/u/0/101232926728463427403/posts/QjZGNcWcgGg>  
* _Regarding the woodbase:_ **Guillermo Welch** always contemplated the possibility of attaching the machine (optionally) to a woodbase. I decided to use the base as a main structural part instead. See <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16122275/PandaCNC_credit/woodbase.png> (screenshot from <https://plus.google.com/u/0/113437723819360223498/posts/8LDCSSVWqCS>)  
* _List of CNC endmill types:_ **David Martin** <https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/16122275/PandaCNC_credit/cnc_endmill_types.png>  

Please note I have taken screenshots of the post that are on the closed G+ Panda community (<https://plus.google.com/u/0/communities/116318709564872967169). You can register and see by yourself.>  

**All other development present on Cyclone has nothing to do with Panda and is not related to the Panda project.**  


Render (v0.9.7)  
--
![ScreenShot](https://github.com/carlosgs/Cyclone-PCB-Factory/raw/master/Media/Cyclone_render_v0.9.7.png)