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PCB fabrication

  • 28-12-2008 06:47PM
    #1
    Cantab.
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,444 ✭✭✭


    Anyone got any better alternatives to the inkjet on transparency/UV exposure/developing/etching method?

    I'm sick of it!

    I'd love a desktop machine that takes A4 transparency on the input and outputs flexi circuit.

    How far away is inkjet technology from reaching this goal? I know it's done already, but what about for the hobby electronics guy?


Comments

  • #2
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,397 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    Well it is possible to mill PCBs from copper clad board using a mini milling machine..

    For one off PCBs they do work out ok... You have to usually increase the sizes of your via's and solder a piece of wire on both sides of them.

    I don't know of a solution for flex PCBs...


  • #3
    spideog7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,230 ✭✭✭spideog7


    PCB123 are pretty decent, I used them (and their software) for a small board at home one time and I now use Sunstone (their parent) all the time for small run PCBs. I've found them very reasonable for small quantity, small size boards although for complete one offs for hobby work probably not so much.

    You can also buy these surf boards which are essentially breakout boards for small surface board mount, you can then populate them onto regular strip board.

    I don't know of any commercially available PCB printing capabilities but I'm sure someone is working on it, looking at what can be done with 3D printing on the mechanical side these days it's definitely getting there. On a side note we just did some rigid flex designs recently, it's got some pretty interesting possibilities, I need to try and figure out more projects I can use it on :D


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