LaboFlex machines differ from other PCB machines because of its “state-of-the-art” micro controller, its more powerful motors and the unique concept of its Z-ax. This Colinbus range of machines is the first on the market to combine PCB milling and 3D-prototyping in one. On top of this they are much faster than comparable machines. All this is made possible by the new electronics and the accompanying “embedded software”. So even for those not interested in the 3D possibilities it can be profitable to have a look at the Laboflex features before acquiring a PCB milling machine.

It has been the trend for years now: the Electronics lab needs a full-featured machine capable of performing a large variety of tasks. Return-on-investment is an important topic. PCB milling only was not sufficient anymore. More and more developers want to show their customers a finished model resembling in as much the real product. Developing such a machine is only easy in theory because a PCB machine works in a completely other way than 3D prototyping machines. So a lot of research was required. But the result may be seen! The Laboflex range offers the opportunity to mill very complex models. Some customers make housings for telecommunication combined with PCB milling, others combine milling lenses and the development of electronics for modern lighting equipment. And a lot more applications are possible.

The customer not only gets the design and an electronics board but with the help of the Laboflex machine you can hand him over as well a model that simulates and looks like the real product up to the smallest details. That is what the name “modern prototyping” stands for!

The Laboflex machine is a multi-functional machine. Apart from milling 3D models it is possible to produce high-quality printed circuit boards. An important part of the system is the specially developed Z-ax which can move 70 mm, largely sufficient for most of the electronics models. When milling PCB’s the head uses an engraving unit by with depth can be set micron precise. When milling 3D the floating head is blocked so that full Z movement can be used.

As with all engraving machines the milling depth can be adjusted in a very precise way. This is very important to obtain tracks with a constant width. Especially with conical shaped tools every difference in depth will be visible. On printed circuit boards these small aberrations could lead to short circuits or tracks being (partially) milled away.

Apart from being bad for the health dust also gives poor milling results. If dust remains on the board to mill, the “depth limiter” gets the wrong information and exact depth regulation becomes difficult. For this reason the CPR-30/PCB/HF has been equipped with a cyclone-shaped dust extraction head. The dust is being extracted in the milling head itself to avoid dust getting in the open air or under the “depth limiter”.

A heavy face-milled T-nut table forms the basics of a Colinbus LaboFlex machine. This table in combination with the flexible software gives the user the possibility to fix the material in a number of different ways: by means of a movable strip in the middle of the machine, by corner alignment or by entering a new zero point anywhere on the table. Because of this system this machine is not restricted to a specific applications.

The Colinbus CPR-30/PCB/HF is built using Stealt Technology. This way moving parts remain light and rigid but the complete machine becomes strong and stable. Especially for PCB milling machines this is of extreme importance. This specific application requires machines to be able to produce fine-structured designs at relatively high speed. With this in mind the Colinbus PCB range has been developed. Four strong linear guidings, normally only used in big and heavy high-precision machines because of the price, make part of the design. But because these guidings are the n°1 when it comes to stability and precision they have been used in this PCB machine.

The LaboFlex machine with cabinet (option)

Colinbus LaboFlex machines use the “Zero Backlash” technology. Patented nut are used that minimize the “backlash”, as this ‘play’ is called. Other milling machines get their high accuracy by using ball lead screws. They are nuts that are filled with small balls that glide over a spindle (screw thread). These systems however always have a bit of play. They need this amount of space to prevent from blocking. But because this play is too high for PCB milling, the CPR range uses the “Zero Backlash” technology.