PCB Engraver
tool training
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Class Size: 3 people
Price: $99
Ages: 16+ (13-15 with guardian)
Learn to produce prototype single- and double-sided printed circuit boards on the (modified) IBC2222 PCB Engraver, given a PCB design in Eagle (or isolation routing G-code). The engraver can isolation route, drill holes, and route the board outline, and includes optical touch-off for aligning double-sided boards. With the successful completion of this class you will be authorized to use the PCB engraver on your own.
People ages 13-15 may take this tool checkout class with their parent/guardian (both adult and minor must register and pay). A parent/guardian who has taken the checkout class must also accompany them when operating the tool. Ages 16 and up are encouraged to take checkout classes in any area they wish, with parent/guardian approval.
When to Use the PCB Engraver
Use it when:
You need a prototype board very quickly and don’t want to wait for shipping
Your design is simple and fits the limits below
Limits of the PCB Engraver
No solder mask, which makes soldering harder.
Boards are bare copper, so they’ll oxidize over time.
No plated-through holes (PTH). No electrical connectivity between the top and bottom pads means you’d need to solder pins or wires on both sides of every hole, including for vias.
If one of these limits is a dealbreaker, the alternative is to use a quick-turn board house (e.g., AdvancedPCB, JLCPCB, PCBWay, etc), where you may be able to receive a simple but double-sided & cheap board in a week.
