Another request for height mapping. gSender seems to be well thought out, but for PCB work it really needs height mapping, despite the claims it is not needed.
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I believe that I have demonstrated why height mapping is not needed for PCB fabrications. As for other applications if will or may be necessary. Instead of arguing against what I have demonstrated and detailed, why not try it without height mapping the way I mentioned. Those of you who do not trust it or try it and do not like it, do not use it. Those of you who have tried it and like the results will of course continue to use it. as an option.
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Actually, it is needed in certain instances, depending on the size of the pcb and the resolution of the traces. There are many variables. I have to use another cnc for some of my pcb prototypes.
Jim
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I agree with jelanier: - long ago I used to use a spoilboard that had been carefully levelled, and took great care to make sure the PCB board has been well-secured, as far as possible without any unwanted ‘bulges’, after ruining several boards. I can only remember about 1 in a 100 times when this was all sufficiently level to mill without first carrying out levelling. Nowadays I use a vacuum clamping system, but still always use levelling.
As suggested earlier in this thread, I did initially try without levellng, and went through the process of zeroing, levelling, and all the rest. I soon concluded this was a total waste of time, so moved to levelling. However, this is also a case of personal preference - if you are happy to make boards without levelling then great, but as an engineer, I prefer not to take the risk.
I have bought PCB board from various sources, and will agree that some seems better than others, but now I will not mill any board without first levelling. If the board is already truly level (unlikely), then nothing is lost by levelling: if it is not level (as usual), then carrying out the levelling at least obviates the problem of cutting too deep, or not cutting sufficiently deep to penetrate the copper, thereby potentially ruining the board, or damaging the cutting bit - in my case usually an 11 degree V-type bit.
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I have to agree with Keithw and Jelanier re mapping for PCBs. It’s such a simple task to carry out before milling and it ensures excellent results
Please guys, Just read what I stated. If you want to use mapping then do so. All I was doing was showing there is an alternative to height mapping. I got good results multiple times without it and I am considered a CNC beginner.
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