PCB etching: Difference between revisions
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TODO: expand | TODO: expand | ||
# Use UVTools to convert a Gerber Cu file to 3d printer format | # Use UVTools to convert a Gerber Cu file to 3d printer format (open any .pwms file, then use the "PCB Etching" tool. Mirror, invert, 4 min exposure. | ||
# Cut board to size with a metal saw | # Cut board to size with a metal saw | ||
# Remove build plate from printer (IMPORTANT) | # Remove build plate from printer (IMPORTANT) | ||
# | # Dry run the exposure print (without board) | ||
# | # While it's running, manually place the board on exposed area and close the printer | ||
# Drop board in NaOH, see red stuff flow | # Drop board in NaOH solution, see red stuff flow | ||
# Wipe, drop board in NaS₂O₈ | # Wipe, drop board in NaS₂O₈ solution | ||
# Fill the glass bowl with some hot water, put NaS₂O₈ jar in the bowl, wait 10min | # Fill the glass bowl with some hot water, put NaS₂O₈ jar in the bowl, wait 10min | ||
# Use pincers to remove the board from the solution | |||
[[Category:Technical]] | [[Category:Technical]] | ||
[[Category:Manufacturing]] | [[Category:Manufacturing]] | ||
Revision as of 13:43, 25 May 2026
A set of tools and chemicals for creating electronic circuit boards.
Contents
- boards covered with copper and a photosensitive material (exposed area gets etched away)
- the Resin printer
- a jar with 2% NaOH solution
- a jar with used NaOH solution
- a plastic bottle with NaS₂O₈ powder
- a jar with NaS₂O₈ solution
- a jar with used NaS₂O₈ solution
- a chipped glass bowl
Danger
All those chemicals are somwhat corrosive or poisonous. DO NOT flush them down the drain before deactivating.
Experimental
This setup mostly works, but the disposal of spent chemicals has never been tried yet.
Process
TODO: expand
- Use UVTools to convert a Gerber Cu file to 3d printer format (open any .pwms file, then use the "PCB Etching" tool. Mirror, invert, 4 min exposure.
- Cut board to size with a metal saw
- Remove build plate from printer (IMPORTANT)
- Dry run the exposure print (without board)
- While it's running, manually place the board on exposed area and close the printer
- Drop board in NaOH solution, see red stuff flow
- Wipe, drop board in NaS₂O₈ solution
- Fill the glass bowl with some hot water, put NaS₂O₈ jar in the bowl, wait 10min
- Use pincers to remove the board from the solution