Dangerous Prototypes Open Source Hardware

Circular PCBs

June 11, 2016, 02:22:31 pm

I would like to create a round, 30mm, PCB.  Can Dirty make round boards?  Also how would one snap out a round board?

Thanks

Re: Circular PCBs

Reply #1 – June 13, 2016, 11:07:19 am

How essential is it that the board is perfectly circular? Could you have two or more 'flats' which would allow a connection to the rest of the panel?

That said, if you are just looking for individual PCBs, rather than multiples on a panel then this should be no problem - the boards will be completely routed out.

Re: Circular PCBs

Reply #2 – June 15, 2016, 09:23:15 pm

I submitted a job for 500 round PCBs.  When the arrived they were panelised on 10x10 sheets in groups of 4 with V grooved breakouts on the edge of each circle creating a flat spot.  I was fine with this but realise the board house might do things to make your design economically manufacturable.

Re: Circular PCBs

Reply #3 – June 17, 2016, 01:31:10 am

I just happen to have this one on my desk - from a 2-sided protopack.  It's quite round, except the one teeny nub on the edge (right side in photo) from where it was snapped off.  Would be nice and smooth after a pass with a flat file:
[attachment=0]  -Ian-

Re: Circular PCBs

Reply #4 – June 21, 2016, 02:12:18 pm

It would be really interesting to spend some real time up there with the engineers and production people to get a feel on this. Anyone want to commit to two-weeks-working-in-a-PCB-factory camp? Engineering, drilling/routing, inspection. I'd probably avoid the acid pool area, but could be convinced it we had the right safety gear.