The core precautions for operating a PCB Router Depaneling Machine are to ensure personal safety, avoid equipment damage, and ensure accurate and high-quality depaneling.
Preparation
Compare the PCB design files (Gerber files) with the machining program (G-code) to confirm that the cutting path, reference points, and tool parameters are correct.
Check the machine's status, including spindle speed, vacuum suction pressure, fixture security, and whether safety devices such as the emergency stop button and safety door are functioning properly.
Select a router blade (such as a carbide blade or a diamond-coated blade) that matches the PCB material (e.g., FR-4, flexible), thickness, and edge requirements. Ensure the blade is free of wear, breakage, or deformation.
Operators must wear protective equipment, including a dust mask, safety glasses, and cut-resistant gloves, to avoid injury from debris and contact with the tool.
Loading and Positioning
Clean the PCB surface and the machine workbench to remove any oil, dust, or residual solder that may affect the suction effect. When using vacuum suction or clamping, ensure the PCB is flat against the tabletop, free of warping or offset, to prevent loosening during processing that could cause cutting errors.
Use the machine's probe to calibrate the reference points and confirm positioning accuracy within ±0.02mm. Readjust positioning parameters if necessary.
Process Control
Before starting the machine, perform a dry run to verify that the tool motion path is consistent with the programmed path. Only begin formal processing if there is no risk of collision.
Control the spindle speed and feed rate, adjusting them according to tool specifications and PCB thickness (typically 8,000-30,000 rpm and 50-300 mm/min). Avoid excessive speeds that may cause tool overheating, or excessive feed rates that may cause edge burrs or PCB tearing.
Use a layered milling method, with each cut depth not exceeding 1/3 of the tool diameter. Complex contours require increased milling passes to reduce machining stress.
Observe the machine's operating status during processing, paying attention to any unusual tool noises and smooth chip removal. Immediately press the emergency stop button if any abnormalities are detected.
Safety Operating Procedures
Do not open the safety door while the machine is operating. Do not touch the rotating cutter, PCB board, or worktable with your hands to avoid entanglement or scratches.
Do not change cutters, adjust fixtures, or modify processing parameters while the machine is running. Always shut down the machine and disconnect the power cord before operating.
When handling PCB debris, use an air gun or vacuum cleaner. Do not blow or remove with your mouth to prevent debris from entering the respiratory tract or scratching the skin.
Post-Processing
After shutting down the machine, wait until the cutter is completely still before removing the separated PCB unit to avoid damage from tool inertia.
Clean the machine worktable, cutter, and suction device to remove any remaining debris to prevent it from affecting the accuracy of the next machining operation.
Inspect the cut edges (for burrs and tears), dimensional accuracy, and circuit integrity of the PCB unit. If any quality issues are found, promptly investigate the process or cutter for potential causes.
Equipment Maintenance and Care
Regularly check cutter wear and replace any severely worn cutters to avoid compromising cutting quality or causing cutter breakage. Regularly clean the equipment's guide rails, lead screws, and spindles, and add lubricant to ensure smooth operation of moving parts.
Regularly calibrate the equipment's positioning accuracy and vacuum pressure, record equipment operating parameters and maintenance status, and maintain a maintenance log.
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