Featured

Who I am: I’m a specialized machine designed to engrave, mill, and drill printed circuit boards (PCBs).

Why I’m useful: I streamline the process of creating custom PCBs, enabling you to prototype electronic circuits quickly and accurately. With my precise engraving and drilling capabilities, I ensure that your PCBs are ready for assembly without the need for outsourcing or manual etching.

Tool Info

Manufacturer: IBC
Model: Boardmaker 2222

The IBC Boardmaker 2222 is a printed circuit board (PCB) engraver capable of creating prototype double-sided PCBs up to 22″ x 22″ by isolation routing traces, drilling component holes, and milling out board outlines. It uses a standard LinuxCNC controller, accepts G-code in RS-274NGC. The Z-axis was upgraded in March 2022 for continuous movement.

We recommend KiCad for PCB design (see the PCB Layout class). Gerber and drill files from any PCB layout program can be converted on the engraver’s computer into RS-274NGC (using pcb2gcode).

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.

How to Use This Tool:

1. (Optional but Recommended) Take the PCB Layout Skill Development class to better learn the PCB design software (KiCad)

2. Take the PCB Engraver Tool Training class to be certified to use the tool

3. Purchase a membership

4. Reserve the tool, then come in

See PCB Layout Skill Development Class

See PCB Engraver Tool Training Class

If you are an active member who has taken the Tool Training class, make your reservation below.

Specifications:

Machining limits 22″ x 22″
Spindle speed 10,000 RPM
Spindle type Wolfgang Engineering DB-200S
Tool shank size 1/8″
Feature size (recommended) 0.015″ / 0.015″
Optical touch-off camera 640×480

PCB Engraver