Learn how to mill double-sided PCBs with the precise Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine
Website: https://othermachine.co/othermill/features
TRANSCRIPT:
This video will show the process of fabricating perfectly-aligned double-sided circuit boards using an Othermill and Otherplan in Windows.
While single-sided circuit boards are sufficient for many tasks, double-sided circuit boards are necessary when circuits move beyond a certain level of complexity, or if you want to keep them as small and compact as possible.
Let’s get started.
Making a double-sided board requires installing the alignment bracket. If you’re not sure how to do that, see our bracket locating guide.
First, set your material to Double-sided FR-1. If your board dimensions are different than the defaults, measure them with calipers and enter them here.
Cover one side of the FR-1 with double sided tape. Make sure not to let the tape overlap. Carefully align it to the front left corner of the bracket, then push down to ensure that it is fully attached.
Import an Eagle board file or set of Gerbers. A new plan panel will appear on the right side of the Otherplan window.
Configure the milling parameters for the top side of the board. Choose your tools and make sure to deselect Outlines. We’ll cut out the outline of the board as our final step on the bottom side. You may wish to add an extra offset to the plan to prevent accidentally milling into the alignment bracket.
Take a final look at the board preview in Otherplan to make sure that you have the appropriate tools selected, and there is enough offset to make sure that your tools will not mill into the alignment bracket.
Click “Start Milling” to mill the top side. If you do not have the appropriate tool installed, Otherplan will prompt you to switch tools before milling begins.
When the top side has finished milling, clean the board by vacuuming away the chips. Remove the FR-1 from the Othermill and peel off the tape. A little rubbing alcohol helps release the tape.
Apply a new layer of tape to the top side of the board. Attach it to the bed, this time aligning it to the **right side** of the alignment bracket.
Click the toggle switch to switch to the bottom side. In the preview, you’ll see the bottom side of the board design, with the plan and material aligned to the right.
As you did with the top side, select the appropriate tools and milling settings for the bottom side. Make sure to re-enable traces, holes, and outlines. This will ensure that the outline of your board is fully milled out.
Verify your configuration using the the preview, then click “Start milling” to mill the bottom side. If you need to switch tools Otherplan will prompt you to do so.
When the bottom side is finished, including the outline, you should end up with a nicely aligned, double-sided board ready for you to place your components.
For more guides and tutorials, visit the Support section of our website.
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