making PCB

nicolad76

Hi, I have never made a PCB in my life and I was looking around for the easiest (and cheapest) way to to it.
I have found different ways to do it but I have never seen anyone (at least as far as I understand english) using any protective technique for the traces.
What I am referring to is the protective layer (usually green ?!?!?!) you can see on professional PCB.
What is that? Is it possible to do something similar on home made PCB?
Thanks!!!
Nicola

T Chap

You can google up "buy solder mask", you can get it in spray or can versions. The thing is you'd need a method to put it exactly where you wanted it, a silk screen may work if you want to prepare some artwork.

I never bothered with solder mask on homemade boards though. You'd need a really good reason to go to the trouble.

Leon

I manage very well without it.

You should join the Homebrew PCB Yahoo group.

Leon

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM
Suzuki SV1000S motorcycle

Philldapill

Nicola, most professional PCB manufacturers can easily apply solder mask(what you are refering to). Many of these places add solder mask for free as part of the total cost for the boards. However, applying it with home-brew setup I think would be very difficult. You are better off just making a prototype of the board without the mask, then having it applied professionally when you have the boards made.


BTW, I second Leon's suggestion about the yahoo group. [noparse]:)[/noparse]

DosManDan

Here is what I use. It has given me great results and I really don't have any complaints. It works as advertized and I've made about 10 boards so far and they all have worked out without a problem.

http://www.pulsarprofx.com/PCBfx/main_site/pages/index.html

Let me know if you have any questions,
Dan

Post Edited (DosManDan) : 1/20/2009 8:28:13 PM GMT