Howdy, I have a PCB that I want to cut into a funky shape. Has anyone ever used (or heard of using) the Epilog laser cutter to cut them out? I think most PCBs are FR-4, which is "Woven glass and epoxy".
Thanks.
The first time I read the post I thought you were trying to etch PCBs on the Epilog. Either way, it's not going to work - the laser won't cut through the copper. If it's a single sided board there's a chance that you may be able to cut it from the back and finish it off with an x-acto knife or similar.
I've been looking for a solution to etch some PCBs, and I've read that you can lightly coat the board in spray paint, etch on the laser, and the remaining paint acts as a resist. You chemically etch the board as usual and remove the left over paint with acetone.
What about etching the board first then cutting the board where the copper has been etched away? I can't imagine a situation where copper traces would go out to the edge of the board. Depending on the complexity of the shape you want to cut, the shop bot could possibly cut the board with a small diameter cutter.
Thank you for your enquiry. We have tested FR4/G10 material and it can be cut just using your 75Watt laser as long as there is no copper layer. The material is highly heat resistant so the final cut results in some charring/burning of the edges (which can be wiped clean afterwards, using alcohol).
You can likely cut up to 1/8” or more using a 75Watt.
As far as we know, cutting FR4/G10 does not release any corrosive gasses. Make sure to use a good ventilation system and use air-assist.
I actually have the exact
I actually have the exact same question. FR4 is also known as G10. I want to know if its possible to cut a sheet approximately 1.5mm thick
laser PCB
The first time I read the post I thought you were trying to etch PCBs on the Epilog. Either way, it's not going to work - the laser won't cut through the copper. If it's a single sided board there's a chance that you may be able to cut it from the back and finish it off with an x-acto knife or similar.
I've been looking for a solution to etch some PCBs, and I've read that you can lightly coat the board in spray paint, etch on the laser, and the remaining paint acts as a resist. You chemically etch the board as usual and remove the left over paint with acetone.
What about etching the board
What about etching the board first then cutting the board where the copper has been etched away? I can't imagine a situation where copper traces would go out to the edge of the board. Depending on the complexity of the shape you want to cut, the shop bot could possibly cut the board with a small diameter cutter.
I asked Epilog. Here's the
I asked Epilog. Here's the reply:
Thank you for your enquiry. We have tested FR4/G10 material and it can be cut just using your 75Watt laser as long as there is no copper layer. The material is highly heat resistant so the final cut results in some charring/burning of the edges (which can be wiped clean afterwards, using alcohol).
You can likely cut up to 1/8” or more using a 75Watt.
As far as we know, cutting FR4/G10 does not release any corrosive gasses. Make sure to use a good ventilation system and use air-assist.
Thank you,
Peck Sidara
Epilog Laser
www.epiloglaser.com
Ph: 303.277.1188
Fax: 303.277.9669
Ok, I cut my PCBs in the
Ok, I cut my PCBs in the laser cutter. They did char pretty badly on the edges, here's the settings I ended up using:
speed 5%
power 100%
frequency 5000