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Making my own PCB questions... — Parallax Forums

Making my own PCB questions...

MarkSMarkS Posts: 342
edited 2007-08-30 15:00 in General Discussion
I understand how to get the board etched (I use the positive photo resist method), however, I do not know how to do silkscreens. I'd also like to know how to do solder stencils, through-hole plating and such. I know that there are board houses that will do all of this for me, but I get great joy from doing it myself whenever possible.

Any help?

Thanks,
Mark

Comments

  • DgswanerDgswaner Posts: 795
    edited 2007-08-30 01:38
    I don't think you'll find a good method of solder masking or silk screening, I haven't seen any commercial product for a do it your selfer.

    I did have the Idea to create a pseudo soldier mask. make the board like normal but before taking off all of the photo resist, make a positive that would expose only the pads that were to get soldiered. expose the board and use the solvent to get rid of the photo resist over the newly exposed areas leaving it over the traces.
    I've also thought about printing what I want silk screened onto clear "sticky back" paper and putting that on the board, but I haven't tried it.. I'm not so sure it will drill well and the heat from soldering could be an issue also.

    I usually put any text or lines (that won't cross traces) in the copper rather than have silk it screened.

    I just think it's there is just too much equipment and harsh chemicals involved in the process for anyone to market it for a hobbiest

    If you find anything I'd love to know

    good luck

    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
    A complex design is the sign of an inferior designer. - Jamie Hyneman, Myth Buster
  • LilDiLilDi Posts: 229
    edited 2007-08-30 02:51
    Making through holes is the hardest.

    Take a look at this for making through holes.

    http://www.solder.net/marketplace/product_desc.asp?Sku=BEST%20Through-hole%20Repair%20Kit&Category=108
  • MarkSMarkS Posts: 342
    edited 2007-08-30 03:47
    I am not spending $200 for a bunch of tiny metal tubes. Thanks anyway. [noparse];)[/noparse]

    When I said solder stencil, I meant solder paste stencil to apply the solder paste more accurately. I'm not real concerned with solder masking. Ther has got to be a way to do silk screening.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2007-08-30 05:02
    For stencils, if you can get a DXF of the pads outputted from your PCB software, it is very simple to take that file to a guy with a laser and cut the pads out in some mylar transparency($.50 per sheet). Then take the mylar and stretch it out like a makeshift stencil printer and lower it or tape it over the pads, squeegie the paste, lift it off and place your parts.

    LPKF has a decent silver based through hole product. It doesn't take heat very well from a pencil. There is not a great solution to home made through holes that I have seen, LPKF being the best but still a hassle, and costly too, maybe $20 per board.

    Solder masking is not really needed on home made boards.
  • MarkSMarkS Posts: 342
    edited 2007-08-30 05:28
    Eagle doesn't do DXF exports. [noparse]:([/noparse]

    I think I'll just cut a short piece of single strand wire, insert it into the holes and solder. There are only going to be 4 vias on the board I'm designing anyway. I may just end up rerouting the board to a one-sided board and use jumpers.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2007-08-30 05:43
    Sure it does

    Go to ULP and find DXF export when on the pads layer

    Short wire is the way I used to go, LPKF is very iffy. Chasing busted vias is not fun.

    Post Edited (TChapman) : 8/30/2007 5:49:16 AM GMT
  • MarkSMarkS Posts: 342
    edited 2007-08-30 06:06
    TChapman said...
    Sure it does

    Go to ULP and find DXF export when on the pads layer

    HUH?!? ULP? I'm still trying to figure this program out. It was clearly not made to conform to any U.S. software standards.
  • MarkSMarkS Posts: 342
    edited 2007-08-30 06:09
    Nevermind. I found it.
  • T ChapT Chap Posts: 4,223
    edited 2007-08-30 06:17
    As an option to the laser, run the pads layer on a transparency and find some copper sheeting, spray some photo resist on one side, coat the back side in some tape and etch the copper sheeting to remove the area for the pads. Then place the copper over the pcb and squeegie the paste. Not as nice as mylar but an option if you can't get access to a laser.
  • ProfessorwizProfessorwiz Posts: 153
    edited 2007-08-30 10:20
    You might want to read the link below, it's from Sparks fun, an excellent source. They have a source that will make your solder stencil for a good price.
    http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/present.php?p=Stenciling
  • RoadsterRoadster Posts: 209
    edited 2007-08-30 15:00
    Here is a link for adding silk screen to your own boards

    http://www.pulsarprofx.com/PCB/a_Pages/4_Products/4b_TRF_Foils/TRF_Foils.html
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