PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

[alanbarnes]

Has anyone ever tried cutting economy PCB from Rapid Electronics and Mega Electronics? How do you set up a datum point to start cutting around a previously
etched design. I can't seem to get the thing to start on the corrcect position. It could just be that my background is electronics and am new to the laser cutting operation. The idea is to use 2d Design to draw the original, (say christmas tree) with a border around it and then insert a cut line just outside the edge. Not only am I not sure how to set up the datum or start point but using the laser on 100% power and 4mm/second produces much burning and soot, but does not go through all the way. ( The copper is etched away from the laser path by the way). Any tips, as this could be a winner if it will work, enabling all manner of wierd shaped PCBs at the relative drop of a hat !!