One of the most difficult tasks when manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) is drilling the small holes that are required for component connections and case mounting. To ensure accuracy and safety, you must mount the PCB very securely while drilling these holes.
CNC Mills
CNC mills are used for all commercial PCB manufacturing. All professionally made printed circuit boards are created using a Computerized Numerically Controlled (CNC) mill. The cost of a professional CNC mill starts at $5,000 and can run well over $30,000. Fortunately, you can achieve similar results for far less money. You can find plans online for homemade CNC mills designed for small-scale productions.
Specialty Tools
A collection of specialty drill bits. Many manufacturers have produced hand tools to assist with the design and prototyping of new printed circuit boards. For instance, micro drills are similar to dental drills, but are suited for working with very small-scale electronics. They have variable speeds, and come with an assortment of drill bits designed for use with PCBs. Some manufacturers also sell drill blanks that you can use to create custom drills for specialty applications.
Multipurpose Tools
Drilling a PCB using a handheld rotary drill. For home hobbyists, the best option is usually a drill press and a handheld rotary drill; this set-up allows you to clamp the circuit board securely while drilling contact and mounting holes. The type of clamping you'll need depends on the job. Small projects may require the use of alligator clips, while larger projects may require a vice.
For smaller components, you may find it easier to use a handheld drill. Many of these drills have optional accessories that transform them into small drill presses for delicate work, and include drill bits that are sized for mounting specific components. A 1/32-inch (0.8mm) bit is suitable for the majority of component holes. It's also perfect for resistors, capacitors, dual inline sockets, and other common components.
