Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff

Your Thoughts About The RepRap and Similar Devices?

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thakidd:
Long story short: I live in a small apartment on the second floor and really do not have a way currently to etch prototype boards. To rule it out now, I am talking about experimentation before I talk to a PCB manufacturer. I do not need a list of them as I would like to run an @Home process first before ever sending off for them to make boards. I have been seriously looking at the RepRap and CNC milling to produce on-off test boards and also build prototype enclosures. I wondered if anyone who frequents EEVBlog has messed with/had experience with the RepRap or other similar devices like the MakerBot.

What has been your experience?
What machine(s) did you use?
What are the positives and negatives in your mind?
Is it worth the $600-$1000 investment for the RepRap?
Can you or someone you know print RepRap parts in the US?
Have you tried the etch resistant pin with RepRap or other kind of CNC?
Is there a better way to go?

Only other option I see is to build some kind of chemical venting system. Really do not want to mess with this route as the wife will be all over my ass.

Please note: I am on a budget and would like to accomplish light milling and possibly 3D plastic printing on a max of $1500.

All info and help is appreciated!

GeoffS:
I can't comment on the RepRap. While it's an interesting device, I'm not sure how you would apply it to the making of PCBs.

Milling on the other hand...

I'm a member of several machining forums and PCB milling with CNC mills is a popular subject. There are people making complete PCBs while others use traditional methods but use the mill for hole drilling.
A small CNC mill with suitable software would run close to $1500 unless you did the CNC conversion of the mill yourself.

If you want, I can post a few URLs that may point you in the right direction - I'm just about to stop for dinner.
 :)

mikeselectricstuff:
A cheap CNC mill is not going to make worthwhile PCBs.
Traditional wet etching will give way better results much faster and much cheaper.

tyblu:
May want to check and see if there is a local club with a RepRap.

saturation:
This is a very interesting device to make available to hobbyists/makers.  I can see its roots in industry, but its certainly overkill for most electronics, excellent for robotics or mechatronics.  Nevertheless,  as prices drop, I'd get one! 

That said, a reality check on projects.  Unless you intend to sell the device, the time you spend for board layout or even custom making your own PCB for manufacture for what maybe a single or a handful of prototypes needs to be considered, particularly if you dont' make more than handful of your design.

An often heard phrase is, " I can't finish this", or, " I'll design one of these when I have time", because the thing we run out of and can't get back is time.

That said, I rarely PCB after I learned the process, and depending on the parts type, either perf, vero, board or preferably dead bug construction.  Ugly as it is, its the fastest way to everything from low to radio frequency designs with through-hole components.  With parts counts already low given higher levels of IC intergration, you'll spend more time routing than getting the electronics done. 

Thus, project designs and construction can be done in minutes to hours, with most time spent testing and debugging.  And once finished, the project is done in half a day or less.






 

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