Pcb design and production
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Posts: 46,084
Hi All,
I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
them on PCB's.
I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
get (download) it.
I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
All info greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Dwain
I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
them on PCB's.
I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
get (download) it.
I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
All info greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Dwain
Comments
Three miniboards cost $62.00.
You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic" chemicals,
plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
The expresspcb software is free too.
Original Message
From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=FYJHc4vwxTuf19We74dy7cW-OglALRrPryLBlzclCeZqn9LnX_x1iNKeG2a0blD05icyJCIgJJB3gmCdLDg]asdfghjk@b...[/url
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
Hi All,
I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
them on PCB's.
I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
get (download) it.
I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
All info greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Dwain
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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a permanent marker and then dip the board and it eats away everything except
where the marker is then you user another solution to wash the marker off
leaving you with your circuit board.
i have not tried it yet - i'm guessing this is as cheesy as you can get.
anyone have any expirence with this method?
mkl
Original Message
From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 8:37 PM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
> I typically use www.expresspcb.com myself.
> Three miniboards cost $62.00.
> You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic" chemicals,
> plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
> The expresspcb software is free too.
>
>
Original Message
> From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=vXz4QmukIFmtHg_yr20_hE6ExwGgpvgZdWlX5DwoNpEHoXL1USXRB3GeKWH0IGD8O1PtoShlT2kbxGEUmiPlrwQ6]asdfghjk@b...[/url
> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
> them on PCB's.
>
> I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
> price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
>
> I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
> help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
> but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
>
> Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
> get (download) it.
>
> I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
> and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
>
> All info greatly appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Dwain
>
>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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> Body of the message will be ignored.
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>
>
>
>
>
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>
extreme. I could never get good enough coverage. what did work was a
particular kind of tape for interconnect and stickers for pins. I can't
remember where I got the tape or the stickers, but they were designed
for pcb layout.
_murat
On Sunday, November 24, 2002, at 03:09 AM, Matt Lorenz wrote:
> i have that kit you can get at radio shack where you draw on your
> board with
> a permanent marker and then dip the board and it eats away everything
> except
> where the marker is then you user another solution to wash the marker
> off
> leaving you with your circuit board.
>
> i have not tried it yet - i'm guessing this is as cheesy as you can
> get.
>
> anyone have any expirence with this method?
>
> mkl
>
>
>
Original Message
> From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
> To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 8:37 PM
> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
>
>
>> I typically use www.expresspcb.com myself.
>> Three miniboards cost $62.00.
>> You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic"
>> chemicals,
>> plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
>> The expresspcb software is free too.
>>
>>
Original Message
>> From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=wdl4mcZMnKQSUIXv_t_JQGd_PqLhIqYTdSG6xJpaOflMZduUKE62lyKKz62ngSt0CsSIcg-jFR_Iv4mkl2e1Jfiy]asdfghjk@b...[/url
>> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
>> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
>> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
>>
>>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
>> them on PCB's.
>>
>> I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
>> price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
>>
>> I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
>> help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
>> but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
>>
>> Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
>> get (download) it.
>>
>> I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
>> and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
>>
>> All info greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Dwain
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
>> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
>> and
>> Body of the message will be ignored.
>>
>>
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>> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>> and
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>>
>
>
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We are shuffling servers this weekend, so if it is down, try again.
Al Williams
AWC
* NEW: PAK-VIa - Read PS/2 keyboards or mice -- double the buffer, lower
current consumption.
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak6.htm
>
Original Message
> From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=RNY3-Ai_W4_63GC0cX1P29lDrve9SA1Wx8PMF8As9WLNEQIxOeZ_9pHkkKV87HeNXqxvUXadxio2ZtWPNpvCjno]asdfghjk@b...[/url
> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]JUNK] [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
> them on PCB's.
>
> I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
> price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
>
> I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
> help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
> but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
>
> Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
> get (download) it.
>
> I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
> and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
>
> All info greatly appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Dwain
>
>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
> Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
at radio shack too - i'm just too new to this to really know what i was
looking at.
i did develop a very small circuit using the etching kit - it looks so so.
i have not put the multimeter on it yet to check for continuity. it seems
there is a bit of an art to the whole pcb deal.
oh, and to keep it stamp related - all i'm really doing is taking the
expanding outputs lesson from stampworks and moving the leds from the nx1000
to my own circuit board in the form of the letter "M". I don't mean
actually moving them - just using another set borrowed from some old
answering machines etc.
what do you mean when you say you could not get enough coverage? like you
just could not draw the circuit small enough? or am i missing your point?
mkl
Original Message
From: "m" <murat_stamp@e...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 9:21 PM
Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
> tried this years ago (like 20), and it was unsatisfactory in the
> extreme. I could never get good enough coverage. what did work was a
> particular kind of tape for interconnect and stickers for pins. I can't
> remember where I got the tape or the stickers, but they were designed
> for pcb layout.
>
> _murat
>
> On Sunday, November 24, 2002, at 03:09 AM, Matt Lorenz wrote:
>
> > i have that kit you can get at radio shack where you draw on your
> > board with
> > a permanent marker and then dip the board and it eats away everything
> > except
> > where the marker is then you user another solution to wash the marker
> > off
> > leaving you with your circuit board.
> >
> > i have not tried it yet - i'm guessing this is as cheesy as you can
> > get.
> >
> > anyone have any expirence with this method?
> >
> > mkl
> >
> >
> >
Original Message
> > From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
> > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 8:37 PM
> > Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
> >
> >
> >> I typically use www.expresspcb.com myself.
> >> Three miniboards cost $62.00.
> >> You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic"
> >> chemicals,
> >> plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
> >> The expresspcb software is free too.
> >>
> >>
Original Message
> >> From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Bq1QiGQFizH9xbXP1Fm774Qi5lu_LQaUxpP4t7vXDQLR8D5WE6D4nVPo4BUX16qEYAC1ox9VyOHR4X1BhA]asdfghjk@b...[/url
> >> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
> >> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> >> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
> >>
> >>
> >> Hi All,
> >>
> >> I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
> >> them on PCB's.
> >>
> >> I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
> >> price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
> >>
> >> I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
> >> help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
> >> but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
> >>
> >> Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
> >> get (download) it.
> >>
> >> I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
> >> and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
> >>
> >> All info greatly appreciated.
> >>
> >> Regards,
> >>
> >> Dwain
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> >> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
> >> and
> >> Body of the message will be ignored.
> >>
> >>
> >> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> >> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
> >> and
> > Body of the message will be ignored.
> >>
> >>
> >> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> >> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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> >
>
>
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>
deal and was very impressed by the delivery time and the quality of their
boards. Their software is totally manual, so you have to know what you are
doing to lay out a board, but they will eventually have some automated
software.
I have also done boards myself, and for the headache and hassle their
service is far superior. You get a double-sided pre-tinned board with
plated-through holes -- you can't do this at home to easily.
**********
> tried this years ago (like 20), and it was unsatisfactory in the
> extreme. I could never get good enough coverage. what did work was a
> particular kind of tape for interconnect and stickers for pins. I can't
> remember where I got the tape or the stickers, but they were designed
> for pcb layout.
> > i have that kit you can get at radio shack where you draw on your
> > board with
> > a permanent marker and then dip the board and it eats away everything
> > except
> > where the marker is then you user another solution to wash the marker
> > off
> > leaving you with your circuit board.
> >
> > i have not tried it yet - i'm guessing this is as cheesy as you can
> > get.
> >> I typically use www.expresspcb.com myself.
> >> Three miniboards cost $62.00.
> >> You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic"
> >> chemicals,
> >> plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
> >> The expresspcb software is free too.
is high it is a pain in the neck to drill all the holes, keep em straight
etc.
But if you insist on making your own board, my suggestion is as follows. You
will first need to get some freeware off the net for PCB layout software.
Once you have the traces layed out, go to allelectronics.com. They sell an
"iron on transfer"..
You take your artwork (trace layout) and using a laser printer or copy
machine (I have had better results with the copy machine) copy the artwork
onto the iron on transfer paper.
After the artwork is copied to the iron on paper, you iron the paper onto the
copper board, cool the board under running water and peel the transfer. A
blue film is left that represents your trace.
Then get some ferric chloride etching solution (any major electronics store
sells - even Radio Shack [noparse][[/noparse]shaft]). You then etch your board, and in about 25
minutes you have a board with traced minus holes.
carefull with the ferric chloride, it will permanently stain just about
anything it contacts!!!!!!!!!!!
There you go.
The neat thing about PCB express as other the other member mentioned is they
do double sided boards, the software is free to use....
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
ic's you dont have good control over trace width etc. but it works....
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Shack must have been very old because it took several hours for the board to
etch with very poor results. If you ensure the chemicals are new it should work
well with a simple design.
Matt Lorenz <mklorenz@c...> wrote:i have that kit you can get at radio
shack where you draw on your board with
a permanent marker and then dip the board and it eats away everything except
where the marker is then you user another solution to wash the marker off
leaving you with your circuit board.
i have not tried it yet - i'm guessing this is as cheesy as you can get.
anyone have any expirence with this method?
mkl
Original Message
From: "Earl Bollinger"
To:
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 8:37 PM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
> I typically use www.expresspcb.com myself.
> Three miniboards cost $62.00.
> You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic" chemicals,
> plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
> The expresspcb software is free too.
>
>
Original Message
> From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=PadvlL1YrAwV8fxQsDUjCxspFzXzMy2O6CJSYi7M7k5pbr_OCCksjTFs-qo2XWhxiHMJ5xQL_JLNYLnVNdqa4jk]asdfghjk@b...[/url
> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
>
>
> Hi All,
>
> I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
> them on PCB's.
>
> I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
> price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
>
> I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can anybody
> help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
> but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
>
> Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
> get (download) it.
>
> I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a transpatency
> and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
>
> All info greatly appreciated.
>
> Regards,
>
> Dwain
>
>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
> Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
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>
>
>
>
>
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[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>> extreme. I could never get good enough coverage. what did work was a
>> particular kind of tape for interconnect and stickers for pins. I
>> can't
>> remember where I got the tape or the stickers, but they were designed
>> for pcb layout.
> what do you mean when you say you could not get enough coverage? like
> you
> just could not draw the circuit small enough? or am i missing your
> point?
I could never get really "black" lines. The traces always ended up
being not very solid.
_murat
some QUALITY pens that work extreely well.
I use the laser printer/heat transfer and it works well IF, (big IF)
IF- no traces go between pins.
IF - you are doing one side boards or are *REALLY-REALLY* good.
you might want to check out the yahoo list
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
for different types of manufacturing. One I am facinated with is
using a pen plotter to draw teh resists on the board, or to paint the
board and remove the resist where it will be etched.
and a few words about the chemicals, warm etch works MUCH better at
room temperature.
rocking will etch the edges faster than the middle unless you use a
pan three times longer than the board, let all the etchant run over
the board and collect on the far side. if you use a pan that does
not let the etchant run off the whole baord, the center will not get
as much exchange and take longer to etch. Bubbliers eleminate this.
Drilling is a pain without a drillpress of any sort. Dremmel to home
depot special that converts your hand drill into a press, to a full
blown industrial shop press. And if you want ot take drilling to the
extreem and push the electronics, you can make a CNC driller, or a
circuit board mill/router and skip the chemicals.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., Matt Lorenz <mklorenz@c...> wrote:
> i have that kit you can get at radio shack where you draw on your
board with
> a permanent marker and then dip the board and it eats away
everything except
> where the marker is then you user another solution to wash the
marker off
> leaving you with your circuit board.
>
> i have not tried it yet - i'm guessing this is as cheesy as you can
get.
>
> anyone have any expirence with this method?
>
> mkl
>
>
>
Original Message
> From: "Earl Bollinger" <earlwbollinger@a...>
> To: <basicstamps@y...>
> Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 8:37 PM
> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
>
>
> > I typically use www.expresspcb.com myself.
> > Three miniboards cost $62.00.
> > You can make your own boards, but you have to deal with "toxic"
chemicals,
> > plus you can't make the plated through holes like they can.
> > The expresspcb software is free too.
> >
> >
Original Message
> > From: dwainsworld2000 [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:asdfghjk@b...]
> > Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2002 7:43 PM
> > To: basicstamps@y...
> > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
> >
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I have prototyped my stamp project, and now want to make a few of
> > them on PCB's.
> >
> > I can get the PCB's commercially produced easily enough, but at a
> > price as they have minimum quantity production runs.
> >
> > I therefore would like to have a bash at making my own. Can
anybody
> > help me with info on how to do this, I do have the basic concept,
> > but it's been 15 years since I made a PCB at school!!
> >
> > Is there software for doing it, if so what is it, and where can i
> > get (download) it.
> >
> > I guess that the negative image is just printed on to a
transpatency
> > and then UV exposed etc etc. Do normal printers do this ok?
> >
> > All info greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Dwain
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and
> > Body of the message will be ignored.
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served if you take a magnyfing glass over every trace and a resist
pen (a Sharpie will do) and fill in any and every line that is not
solid or too thin. Also, once you see the layout, you can decide to
add things like a resistor or cap, or even make larger traces if you
want.
There is a cheaper way, see Al Williams site for iron transfer
procceure. But you will be well served to do it the 'expensive' way
once.
Seems we are all still waiting on the guy who puts together a simple
and cheap way to make one board. 2 for $25.oo or something.
btw, if you look around there are deals on the net like 3 boards for
$100.00 for large boards, not just the mini-boards from ExpressPCB.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., smartdim@a... wrote:
> Agree!!!!!!!!!! Express PCB is a good way to go. Besides, if the
pin count
> is high it is a pain in the neck to drill all the holes, keep em
straight
> etc.
>
> But if you insist on making your own board, my suggestion is as
follows. You
> will first need to get some freeware off the net for PCB layout
software.
> Once you have the traces layed out, go to allelectronics.com. They
sell an
> "iron on transfer"..
>
> You take your artwork (trace layout) and using a laser printer or
copy
> machine (I have had better results with the copy machine) copy the
artwork
> onto the iron on transfer paper.
>
> After the artwork is copied to the iron on paper, you iron the
paper onto the
> copper board, cool the board under running water and peel the
transfer. A
> blue film is left that represents your trace.
>
> Then get some ferric chloride etching solution (any major
electronics store
> sells - even Radio Shack [noparse][[/noparse]shaft]). You then etch your board, and
in about 25
> minutes you have a board with traced minus holes.
>
> carefull with the ferric chloride, it will permanently stain just
about
> anything it contacts!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> There you go.
>
> The neat thing about PCB express as other the other member
mentioned is they
> do double sided boards, the software is free to use....
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
rock the board the egdes etch faster than the center.
Why is that? Regarding the "pan" being three times larger than the board, is
that so you can let the etching material run off the board completly before
rocking back the other direction.
Am I correct thinking that maybe the process is sped up if the copper is
exposed t etching, then oxygen, then etching...?
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
They heat the Ferric to about 120 degrees and spray it very hard onto
the board, etch times are still about 30 seconds.
BTW most PCB manufactures use cupric chloride, it can be regenerated
with clorine and the waste sold for the copper, pretty hazardus tho!
The best home made etching system was built like a fishtank ( in fact
a 10 Gal tak would work great). The boards were vertical and they
used a fish tank heater and an air pump to blow air under the boards
to agitate the etchant. But you'd need a good cover and a vent system
or you'd really stink up the place.
Oh and No air does not etch very well, I'd guess that the etch is
moving faster, or more, near the sides than in the middle.
It's all basic Chemistry, heat and stir to maximise the chemical
reaction.
--- In basicstamps@y..., smartdim@a... wrote:
> Ecthing....very interesing. I noticed as you mentioned that
indeed, when I
> rock the board the egdes etch faster than the center.
>
> Why is that? Regarding the "pan" being three times larger than the
board, is
> that so you can let the etching material run off the board
completly before
> rocking back the other direction.
>
> Am I correct thinking that maybe the process is sped up if the
copper is
> exposed t etching, then oxygen, then etching...?
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
PC boards. If you use there boards, the copper is thinner, and etches faster,
leaving you with a perfect board.
You print out your image, in a mirror image, run it thru a copy machine onto
this film, and lay it on your PC board, lay a piece of aluminum over it and
hit it with an iron. Then soak it in water to remove the paper. You can't go
wrong.
<A HREF="http://www.dynaart.com/">Amazing! Toner Transfer paper for making
decals, printed circuit boards,
tattoos and much more!</A>
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
is important to make sure your traces are 'dark'. I even make traces
between pins using the fine point sharpie. Acid etch in 10 minutes just
'swishing' the board around in 1/2" ferric solution in a zip lock container
using 'zippy ties' to hold the board. Solid, defined traces. But not the
quality you could get from the big boys. And the time to drill all the
holes using the Dremel drill press (broken bits) will not make me rich.
I'm building a CNC router, but it will take many, many boards to recoup my
cost.
|
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>
| | smartdim@a...|
| | |
| | 11/24/2002 11:51|
| | AM |
| | Please respond |
| | to basicstamps |
| | |
|
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>
>
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| To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
|
| cc:
|
| Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: PCB DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
|
>
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Ecthing....very interesing. I noticed as you mentioned that indeed, when I
rock the board the egdes etch faster than the center.
Why is that? Regarding the "pan" being three times larger than the board,
is
that so you can let the etching material run off the board completly before
rocking back the other direction.
Am I correct thinking that maybe the process is sped up if the copper is
exposed t etching, then oxygen, then etching...?
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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