How To Choose a CNC Drilling and Routing Machine
CNC machines are vital in PCB processing. These are the points DLCNC engineers work through with a buyer before quoting.
CNC machines are vital in PCB processing. These are the points DLCNC engineers work through with a buyer before quoting.
Published 2023-09-11 by Chengdu Jindali Technology Co., Ltd
Rigidity and Stability
The machine needs good rigidity and stability. Granite is heavy and stable which makes it a good material for the machine base. Every DLCNC drilling series runs on a granite marble base frame and the planer type router uses a full granite mechanical frame.
Routing machines prefer ball bearing spindles for their good torque. Drilling machines prefer air bearing spindles because the high speed improves drilling precision. The two are not interchangeable.
This needs years of observation to judge. Top brands consistently do better in this area. On the DLCNC range positioning accuracy is ±0.01mm and repeatability accuracy is ±0.005mm.
Higher feed speed improves work efficiency. Linear motor drive has quicker speed and can reach up to 100m/min. The DLCNC D3X and D4X reach 80m/min on the XY axes.
This depends on the board size you will process. Do not buy a table for a panel format you do not run and do not buy one that is too small for the format you plan to move to.
Choose the system your team already knows. The popular operation system is Windows. Sieb and Meyer is a leading control system brand and the latest version referenced is CNC95. Check that your drilling programme is compatible with the control system.
Drilling normally handles about 200 tools. Routing normally handles 66. DLCNC drilling machines carry 66pcs on the D1X and 220pcs on the D2X D3X and D4X.
Linear scale gives higher precision but is sensitive to dust so contamination has to be kept away. For a routing machine a magnetic scale is an alternative choice.
The vacuum system is important to keep the machine running and should be specified with the machine rather than added afterwards.
Check the slide door and the infrared ray protection system as part of the machine specification.
There are two ways to move the table. By air the abrasion is lower but energy consumption is higher because of the air supply. By ball screw drive the air supply is reduced but the ball screw needs recalibration every year. An air supply fix device to tighten the workpiece is handy.
Machines Covered in This Guide
D2X PCB Drilling Machine
Independent Z axis structure on XYZ ball screw drive. The independent Z axis holds the vertical accuracy of the machine and improves th...
4 Heads PCB CNC Routing Machine
Four head routing machine independently developed by DLCNC for steady production routing of circuit boards.
Planer Type PCB Router Machine
Planer type customized machine built on a full granite mechanical frame with a DLCNC self owned control system.
Related Guides
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The drive train is the single biggest difference between the four DLCNC drilling series. This is what changes ...
Air Bearing and Ball Bearing Spindles Compared
Spindle choice on a PCB machine is not a preference. It follows from what the operation needs which is speed f...
Questions On This Guide
Which point matters most
Rigidity and spindle selection. Everything else can be corrected later. A base that is not rigid enough cannot be fixed after installation.
Should I always choose linear motor drive
No. Linear motor drive is faster but depends on a linear scale that is sensitive to dust. In a contaminated environment a ball screw driven machine may hold accuracy better in practice.
How many tools do I really need
About 200 for drilling and 66 for routing are the normal working figures. Count the distinct diameters in your busiest programme before deciding.
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