@@ -40,9 +40,8 @@ It is important to note that both these images are at 1000 dpi resolution in png
Next, these png images need to be converted to tool-paths for CNC machines to follow. [Fabmodules](http://fabmodules.org/) and [Mods](http://mods.cba.mit.edu/) both, developed by the Fab community can be used to make the tool-paths. They run in the browser.
But it shows me unclear toolpaths with default settings, for both the traces and the outlines. With random dots being detected arounf the traces.
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@@ -52,21 +51,21 @@ But it shows me unclear toolpaths with default settings, for both the traces and
I'm not sure why these errors occured. I try using FabModules with the same files and same settings. And it works perfectly. So I guess Mods has a different way to read these files.
These are the steps for FabModules:
*Select **input format: png** (same as the file downloaded)
*Select the traces file from your directory
*The input section on the rights shows the meta info of the image. Check the resolution is **1000 dpi** and the overall size. The - image is 1:1 so the PCB will be the same size as mentioned here.
*Select **output format: rml** (depends on the machine you use; Roland machines use rml)
*Select **machine** from the dropdown: **SRM-20** (I'm using this at the lab)
***Speed: 4 mm/s** Standard speed used with a 1/64in endmill
***x0, y0, z0** all **0** this makes the cutting start exactly where you set the origin on the machine
***zjog: 2 mm** is the distance the endmill travels in z direction when it lifts up to move in the air to another xy coordinate
***xhome, yhome, zhome** are the coordinates the endmill moves to at the end of the job, i leave this empty so it take the default - value of the machine.
*Select **process: PCB traces (1/64)** this basically fills in default values for the standard trace milling process
***Direction: climb** here is a diagram that explains climb vs conventional cutting
***Cut depth: 0.1mm** to cut through the upper layer of the FR1 boards
***Tool diameter: 0.4 mm** (=1/64 in)
***Number of offsets: 4** this is the number of paths around the traces, if its too little soldering components is difficult, if it - too much, it takes a long time to mill, 4 is just enough (-1 to remove everything completely)
***Offset overlap: 50%** The overlap between two paths, to ensure no material is left with error
Select **input format: png** (same as the file downloaded)
Select the traces file from your directory
The input section on the rights shows the meta info of the image. Check the resolution is **1000 dpi** and the overall size. The - image is 1:1 so the PCB will be the same size as mentioned here.
Select **output format: rml** (depends on the machine you use; Roland machines use rml)
Select **machine** from the dropdown: **SRM-20** (I'm using this at the lab)
**Speed: 4 mm/s** Standard speed used with a 1/64in endmill
**x0, y0, z0** all **0** this makes the cutting start exactly where you set the origin on the machine
**zjog: 2 mm** is the distance the endmill travels in z direction when it lifts up to move in the air to another xy coordinate
**xhome, yhome, zhome** are the coordinates the endmill moves to at the end of the job, i leave this empty so it take the default - value of the machine.
Select **process: PCB traces (1/64)** this basically fills in default values for the standard trace milling process
**Direction: climb** here is a diagram that explains climb vs conventional cutting
**Cut depth: 0.1mm** to cut through the upper layer of the FR1 boards
**Tool diameter: 0.4 mm** (=1/64 in)
**Number of offsets: 4** this is the number of paths around the traces, if its too little soldering components is difficult, if it - too much, it takes a long time to mill, 4 is just enough (-1 to remove everything completely)
**Offset overlap: 50%** The overlap between two paths, to ensure no material is left with error
