Abstract: A flycutting apparatus and a method of manufacturing printed circuit boards are disclosed. The flycutting apparatus may include a sensor for detecting changes in the relative positioning of an associated rotatable flywheel and the surface of an object, such as a web of flexible printed circuit board, to be machined. The sensor is adapted to send signals to an adjustment device of the flycutting apparatus during machining operations whereby the adjustment device responds to the signals by adjusting the relative position of the rotatable flywheel with respect to the surface of the object. The flycutting apparatus may include a horizontally arranged slide assembly in conjunction with a vertically arranged slide assembly and a translation device for translating movement of the horizontally arranged slide assembly to vertical movement of an associated rotatable flywheel along the vertical slide assembly.

Abstract: A system for creating a position reference signal includes a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), a magnetically permeable core capable of entering and existing the chamber of the LVDT, a positioning means for moving the core in forward and backward directions through a home location in which the core is within said LVDT, and a signal conditioner means for receiving the signals from the secondary windings and outputting a value so that when the core approaches the home location from the forward direction, the value first changes polarity only when the core passes through the home location. Preferably, the value is always positive or always negative when the core is at a location outside of the chamber.