Machines and Specifications
At FabLab Kamakura we have 2 Roland SRM-20 machines for PCB production. Here are the more interesting specs of the machine:
- Workpiece area: 232 x 156mm
- Software Resolution: 0.01 mm/step (RML-1), 0.001mm/step (NC code)
- Power Consumption: 50W
- Acoustic Noise Level: 45-65dB It was less noisy than expected More official specs.
Preparing the Roland SMB-20
Power Switch ON!
Machine Switch ON!
That's where the bits live!
A single bit. Be careful with the tip. It is sharp - and easy to break.
Roland VPanel
Showing Hidden Files Extensions
The Roland Machines have again their own, dedicated Windows Notebooks, Language is set to Japanese. (The FabAcademy in Kamakura also includes free Japanese Lessons! ๐)
One confusing thing was the fact that Windows likes to hide the extensions of files. Which becomes annoying if you have a file like test.png.rml. The rml extension was hidden, it appeared as test.png, looking like an image.
To rectify this, go to the view settings and click 'Show Extensions'.
VPanel Overview
Annotations in English:
Insert Milling Bit, Zeroing Z
- Z up ca 50mmm
- Fix milling bit with hex wrench
- Carefully lower Z height, first continuous, then step-wise
- Hold milling bit, open holding screw, gently guide it down, so that the milling but touches the PCB surface.
- Fix the screw again
- Press the Zero Z Button
- Raise Z
Zeroing XY
With the milling clear of the PCB, move with the XY buttons to your desired starting point. Press the Zero XY Button.
Loading a File
- Press the load File Button, a file explorer window will appear
- Press the left 'Add' button (่ฟฝๅ , Tsukai) to add files
- The 'Delete' (ๅ้ค, Sakujo) Button removes one file
- The 'Delete All' (ใในใฆๅ้ค, Subete Sakujo) Button removes all files from the VPanel
Pressing the ๅบๅ (ใใ ใคใใใ, Shutsuryoku, Output) Button starts the milling process.
Milling
After the milling is done, remove the milling block and dust it off. The PCB is still sticking to the milling block with the double-sided tape.
Extracting
To remove the tape, put solvent into the milled frame, this will remove some of the tape. Carefully use the spatula to lift the PCB.
Results
