PCB Contour Routers
Ø 1.0–3.0 mm · 0.5 mm increments · 3.175 mm shank · 38 mm length · Solid carbide
Product detailed description
Through-material routing tools for PCB outlines, internal cut-outs, slots and routed openings.
MIPEC PCB Contour Routers are solid-carbide cutting tools designed for machining completely through PCB laminates and similar materials.
The range covers diameters from 1.0 to 3.0 mm in 0.5 mm increments.
PCB Contour Routing
Contour routing is used when the tool must pass completely through the material to create the final board outline, internal cut-outs or slots.
Through Material = 38 mm
Contour routers cut through the full board thickness and therefore use the MIPEC 38 mm through-material format.
Materials Beyond FR4
Solid-carbide routing tools are not limited to standard FR4. Carbide routers and endmills are also used for other PCB laminate systems and engineering materials.
The correct router geometry and machining parameters depend on the material. A cutting strategy suitable for glass-reinforced FR4 may not be appropriate for a PTFE-based or ceramic-filled laminate.
Material Matters
High-frequency laminates can have very different material structures and machining characteristics. Tool selection should therefore be based on the specific laminate, required geometry and operation rather than on the material brand alone.
Contour Router or Drill?
A drill creates a circular hole corresponding to its own diameter. A contour router moves laterally through the material and can therefore create outlines, slots, cut-outs and larger openings.
For Openings Larger Than 3 mm
MIPEC microdrills cover hole diameters up to 3.0 mm. Larger openings can be routed with a contour router.
Tool Life and Wear
Router life depends on material, board thickness, router diameter, cutting parameters and total routed distance.
Abrasive laminates gradually wear the carbide cutting edges.
A Router Does Not Have to Break to Be Worn Out
Increasing burrs, rough routed edges, fibre pull-out or changes in cutting performance can indicate that replacement is required.
Technical Specifications
| Product type | Solid-carbide contour router |
|---|---|
| Typical application | Contour routing of PCB laminates and similar machinable materials; actual suitability depends on material and machining parameters |
| Machining type | Through-material machining |
| Diameter range | 1.0–3.0 mm |
| Diameter increments | 0.5 mm |
| Shank diameter | 3.175 mm (1/8") |
| Tool length | 38 mm |
| Tool material | Micro-grain solid carbide |
Part of PCB Milling & Drilling
Contour routing is typically one of the final mechanical operations after isolation milling and drilling.
Need Circular Holes?
Use carbide microdrills for circular drilled holes up to 3.0 mm.