Advanced aspects of prototype circuit board fabrication using milling systems

The milling and drilling of a prototype circuit board has distinct advantages over both wire-wrapping and print-and-etch. First, the process is quick and clean and uses no harmful chemicals. Second, it bypasses the need to create artwork saving time and money. Third, some designs such as RF and microwave circuits can achieve the desired frequency more closely than etched boards when milled. The fabrication of prototype circuits using a milling and drilling system closely parallels that used by a traditional printed circuit fabrication facility. The inputs to the system are the same as those for the fabrication shop.