PCB Circular Ruler

Ian0

Joined Aug 7, 2020
9,680
Every sheet metal firm has a laser cutter these days and they can all engrave (they call it laser scribing). They all work from DXF files.
Whereabouts in the world are you? When you say Washington - perhaps you don't mean Washington, Tyne & Wear?
 

AlbertHall

Joined Jun 4, 2014
12,345
Ideally, I would like something that has the appearance of metal, with black graduation lines and numerical markings.

Due to design constraints, the finished piece would also need to be no thicker than 1mm.

Wolf
It should be possible to produce a fibreglass PCB with the copper etched away where the lines are, then rub over with a black wax so it would be copper coloured with the lettering in black.
 

Thread Starter

ImWolf

Joined May 26, 2013
108
What tool did you use to make this drawing?

If it can output a .dxf file, please post the file.
I created a .dwg file using AutoCad 13. The image posted above is just a screen capture .jpg. Here is the exported .dxf file after removing the dimensions.

Wolf
 

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Thread Starter

ImWolf

Joined May 26, 2013
108
Every sheet metal firm has a laser cutter these days and they can all engrave (they call it laser scribing). They all work from DXF files.
Whereabouts in the world are you? When you say Washington - perhaps you don't mean Washington, Tyne & Wear?
I have contacted over a dozen manufacturers including trophy shops, engraving specialists, and smaller machine shops. Of the 2 replies I got one was a flat "No, we don't want your business", and the other was a quote for 360GBP.

I'm located near Tacoma, WA in the U.S.
 

eetech00

Joined Jun 8, 2013
3,859
Looks like nice work, but these images are of a disc.... I need a ring.

Wolf
I designed the PCB from the image you posted in #1. what does the “ring” look like.

Edit: Oh...I see...the inner circle should be "open". Easy to fix.
 
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eetech00

Joined Jun 8, 2013
3,859
Here is a view using a gerber file viewer, DFMNow.
Only the top copper, top sikscreen, and board layers are turned on.
(The resolution is obviously much better than this screen shot)

1629649840080.png
 

eetech00

Joined Jun 8, 2013
3,859
I did a test order at JLCPCB.

Looks like 5 Round Aluminum PCB's = $9.10 + shipping USD

The aluminum color is white (I didn't see a choice for this). I was able to select a PCB color of black but couldn't select a black silkscreen, so you would have to ask JLCPCB.

I would send them the gerber files and your requirements to review before ordering.
 

Thread Starter

ImWolf

Joined May 26, 2013
108
Those images look great. I like the black markings on the light grey background. Now how do I go about submitting a file like this to a producer, and choosing all the correct options (there are so many) to get a finished piece?

On this JLCPCB page for example, there are so many options to choose from, and I don't know what any of them mean or how they will affect the final product.

https://cart.jlcpcb.com/quote?_ga=2.125367114.1711146224.1629568587-1930961161.1629568587

Obviously, I would want this thing to be as durable as possible. Then the next consideration is to be eye appealing.

Thanks for your help!
Wolf
 

Thread Starter

ImWolf

Joined May 26, 2013
108
OK..... can you post the gerber file here?

I am also looking into having some holes put in it for attaching to the steel clamp ring on my compound. As I understand it, a different file is used to describe hole patterns. I need to first look at what type of screws or rivets I have out in the shop.....

Wolf
 

eetech00

Joined Jun 8, 2013
3,859
Those images look great. I like the black markings on the light grey background. Now how do I go about submitting a file like this to a producer, and choosing all the correct options (there are so many) to get a finished piece?

On this JLCPCB page for example, there are so many options to choose from, and I don't know what any of them mean or how they will affect the final product.

https://cart.jlcpcb.com/quote?_ga=2.125367114.1711146224.1629568587-1930961161.1629568587

Obviously, I would want this thing to be as durable as possible. Then the next consideration is to be eye appealing.

Thanks for your help!
Wolf
Here is a snapshot of the test order specification:

1629652056207.png

I can provide the gerber files but I'm not responsible for the production outcome, quality, or results.
 

MrChips

Joined Oct 2, 2009
30,720
Instead of PCB material I am thinking of plain aluminum.
I would look into laser etching or CNC engraving. You can cut a ring on a CNC machine. If I had a need for this I would give it a try on my CNC machine.
 

eetech00

Joined Jun 8, 2013
3,859
OK..... can you post the gerber file here?

I am also looking into having some holes put in it for attaching to the steel clamp ring on my compound. As I understand it, a different file is used to describe hole patterns. I need to first look at what type of screws or rivets I have out in the shop.....

Wolf
The holes can be included in the same set of files. If you give me the hole dimensions and spacings I can add them.
 

MrSalts

Joined Apr 2, 2020
2,767
Instead of PCB material I am thinking of plain aluminum.
I would look into laser etching or CNC engraving. You can cut a ring on a CNC machine. If I had a need for this I would give it a try on my CNC machine.
Have you read the earlier posts? I'm guessing, no. I don't know of any machine shops that would discuss a project for $10: the OP an have 5 aluminum pieces delivered for under $10.
 

MrSalts

Joined Apr 2, 2020
2,767
OK..... can you post the gerber file here?

I am also looking into having some holes put in it for attaching to the steel clamp ring on my compound. As I understand it, a different file is used to describe hole patterns. I need to first look at what type of screws or rivets I have out in the shop.....

Wolf
You should look into the price of 10 pieces - usually just a bit more than 5 piece. Especially if you suspect they will be used under harsh environments.
 

Thread Starter

ImWolf

Joined May 26, 2013
108
You should look into the price of 10 pieces - usually just a bit more than 5 piece. Especially if you suspect they will be used under harsh environments.
That's a good idea.... not only for my own use, but I know of other people who are interested in doing the same type of modification to their machines as well.

Wolf
 

MrChips

Joined Oct 2, 2009
30,720
Have you read the earlier posts? I'm guessing, no. I don't know of any machine shops that would discuss a project for $10: the OP an have 5 aluminum pieces delivered for under $10.
I don’t know how much machine shops charge. I was contemplating making one for wolf at no charge.
 
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