is software specifically
designed for PCB (Printed Circuit Board) prototyping, using the Accurate
A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx desktop CNC machines. It now includes several common
machining functions. Our main goal was to create high quality software
that is both extremely accurate and user friendly, with a very clear and
simple to use interface utilizing pop-up menus, function buttons and
high quality graphics. The Selections and calculations for standard
operations are automatic, but the operations can be accessed by the user
if needed. You can explore the PhCNC functionality through our demo
(available at the “downloads” page). Please note that some of the
software capabilities are missing in the demo version, nevertheless, it
is completely functional, since it simulates the presence of the
A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx. We welcome you to try it out today without any
obligations!
The new Accurate A36x/A56x/A40x/A60x are equipped with our new CNC
controller PhCNC360 (USB 2.0 based). It is specially designed and
optimized to work with PhCNC software. The new controller offers high
reliability, more flexibility and maximum performance. PhCNC software
now is offered in two versions:
• Standard version of PhCNC is included with each machine.
• Enhanced version, PhCNC Pro is optional and includes many additional
functions (see details below).
PhCNC has two modes of operation the CAM mode and CNC mode. At start up,
PhCNC enters the CAM mode, where you can open your files and edit the
final layout of your prototype. Here, you can also specify the tools,
which will be used when the prototype PCB is being produced by the
Accurate A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx. In the CNC Mode, the user can execute the
programs that have been generated by PhCNC to control the Accurate
A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx. Note that you can switch between the two modes at
any time. If you have our new video camera/microscope you will be able
to measure and inspect your project. Here is a screenshot of each of
them:
| CAM mode | CNC mode | |
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|
| CNC Video mode #1 | CNC Video mode #2 | |
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Below are listed
the operations you can perform in each mode. Please consult the
PhCNC Short User's Manual for a more detailed overview or the PhCNC
User's Manual for a complete description of all the features
included in this software. Both manuals are available at the
download page.
List of available operations in the CAM mode:
• Load one or more PCB designs (new visual interface helps
Gerber/Drill files selection)
• Group/Ungroup multiple PCB designs
• Copy/Delete/Select/Deselect/Move objects or groups
• Rotate objects or groups by an arbitrary angle
• Visually check insulation traces
• Automatic detection of Design Rules Violation (DRV). *
• Forced insulation. *
• Assign regions for excessive copper rubout and choose the tools to
be used in the rubout process.
• Additional traces insulation. A mode that can replace “copper
rubout” in many cases, it is faster and saves tools. *
• Select inner/outer tool diameter compensation for all cutting
operations.
• Breakout tabs insertion. *
• Vector text insertion. *
• Holes and pads insertion. *
• Universal input "PhCNC printer" driver allows you to import your
design for front panels and nameplates from any CAD software (not
available in the demo version).
• Load/Save/Import PhCNC project files (PHJ). Excellent function for
repeated projects manufacturing.
• Import of CAM350 .CAM files (includes visual interface for CAM
layers). *
• Import of 2D .DXF files for parts machining. *
* available only in PhCNC Pro
List of available operations in the CNC mode:
• Insulation (top and bottom layer)
• Rubout (top and bottom layer)
• Drill (top or bottom layer)
• Cutout (top or bottom layer)
• Stencil (top or bottom layer) *
• Countersink (top or bottom layer) **
• Fiducial Registration *
• Quality control. Positioning and measurements with optional
camera/microscope for Accurate A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx *
• “Peck” mode is now available in PhCNC Pro version. It is a great
solution for all high aspect ratio machining. *
* available only in PhCNC Pro
** available only in PhCNC when .DXF import is used.
Even though, the software is very powerful, it is designed to be
incredibly easy to use, so once you are equipped with the Accurate
A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx run by PhCNC your PCB prototype is just a few
clicks away. Just load your PCB files, indicate the tools for
insulation, rubout and cutout, and the Accurate A3xx/A4xx/A5xx/A6xx
is ready to start.
Minimum system requirements for PhCNC:
• OS: Win2000/XP/2003/Vista/Win7 (x86/32-bit) or XP/Vista/Win7
(x64/64-bit)
• CPU: 500MHz
• RAM: 512MB
• Video: 1024x768
• 1 USB port
Comparison of
PhCNC with other software ...