Tips/Techniques Ever wondered how PCB boards are made?

[Arbutus]

I came across this very well written article describing the processing steps behind a modern microcircuit PCB, it's well worth a read.

Summit PCB production

We have come a long way from Letraset rub-on resist traces and ferric chloride! My latest set of boards (from a different supplier) are 4 layers SMT with 6mil traces. The total turnaround from order to delivery was 5 days including shipping from Asia to Canada. Amazing!
🙂

 

[Gennady]

The total turnaround from order to delivery was 5 days

Wondering, who was that supplier ? Is that hobbyists friendly ? Mind to share ?

 

[Susquatch]

We have come a long way from Letraset rub-on resist traces and ferric chloride!

I have several drawers of that old circuit board making equipment and supplies. I think what you are suggesting is that I should just pitch it...... I guess it's time has passed.

While we are on the subject, what is the best way to make a normal sized board today for components that are big enough that you can still see the colour code on them with one old naked eye?

 

[Arbutus]

Wondering, who was that supplier ? Is that hobbyists friendly ? Mind to share ?

Recently I have been using two suppliers - PCBway and SeeedStudio. Very similar services and options. They handle orders from 1 board to mass production and can assemble, test and package too if thats needed.

And to answer @Susquatch's question - a 2 layer PTH board can be made by any manufacturer if the Gerber files are available. Some suppliers also accept Altium, KiCad and Eagle (Fusion360) board files directly, so that saves the Gerber step. F360 has a fairly comprehensive component library now with SMT and PTH parts, and the autorouter handles up to 16 layer boards, so thats all available too.

If you want to make your own - there is a laser printer transfer process where you iron the print onto the copper, etch, then drill. Good for 1 sided boards due to front/back alignment issues, but it will get you started.

 

[djberta]

I have used jlcpcb with good results. They have some great promos like Pcb way. I have gotten Arduino stuff from seed but not boards.

 

[slow-poke]

AllPCB is another option.

Most of the Chinese PCB houses offer either a free or $5 for your first batch offer.

 

[Susquatch]

@jcdammeyer - I love it!



I wanna plow with one of those and I could care less how it is wired!

 

[Tom O]

@jcdammeyer - I love it!

View attachment 68583

I wanna plow with one of those and I could care less how it is wired!

luckily they still make those glasses with the windshield wipers on them for when it rains.

 

[gerritv]

I have several drawers of that old circuit board making equipment and supplies. I think what you are suggesting is that I should just pitch it...... I guess it's time has passed.

While we are on the subject, what is the best way to make a normal sized board today for components that are big enough that you can still see the colour code on them with one old naked eye?

I use DipTrace for schematic and layout. Way back when KiCad was almost uselss I had a need and haven't bothered switching again. But were I to start over it would be KiCad.
PCBWay has excellent facilities, I look for suppliers in Canada but can't justify the expense.

 

[Gippeto]

Only making simple things, but Kicad and Lightburn. I coat the boards with paint, burn the outline of the traces with a 5w hobby laser on a 3018, then etch. Makes for pretty quick in-house prototyping. A silk screen works pretty well for applying and even layer of UV cured solder mask...burn the pads off with the laser.

 

[Janger]

Can you 3d print boards? At home? with a filament switcher for swapping insulating layers and copper infused filament for the traces? and print the via's with the copper filament?

 

[Janger]

Here is somebody trying it, some of the comments are five years old so this is dated:

https://www.instructables.com/3D-Printed-PCB