An integrated interactive media for PCB program preparation and machining command generation

The design of a personal-computer-based system for PCB machining program preparation and machining-control command generation is discussed. Two main board programming techniques were developed; programming by teach-in, and programming using an application-oriented high-level programming language. The techniques are supported by an engineering graphic screen and an on-table monitoring camera. The techniques allow for part-program knowledge accumulation at different levels (i.e machining cycles, electronic components, subboard and board levels). Machining-program interpretation results in a series of machining commands that are suitable for a PCB-CNC table controller. The system has been tested successfully on an industrial PCB machining table