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    PCB MAking Methods

    Uploaded by

    Ravikant Verma
    There are three methods to make a PCB: ironing a printed circuit onto glossy paper, drawing the circuit by hand, or using an industrial laser etching process. The iron on glossy paper method involves printing the circuit layout, ironing it copper-side down onto a board, then etching away excess copper using ferric chloride solution. This method can precisely transfer each track but requires care. Alternatively, the circuit can be drawn directly onto the board with a marker, though this method is limited by artistic skills. After etching, holes are drilled and components are soldered to complete the PCB.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    PCB MAking Methods

    Uploaded by

    Ravikant Verma
    83 views2 pages
    There are three methods to make a PCB: ironing a printed circuit onto glossy paper, drawing the circuit by hand, or using an industrial laser etching process. The iron on glossy paper method involves printing the circuit layout, ironing it copper-side down onto a board, then etching away excess copper using ferric chloride solution. This method can precisely transfer each track but requires care. Alternatively, the circuit can be drawn directly onto the board with a marker, though this method is limited by artistic skills. After etching, holes are drilled and components are soldered to complete the PCB.

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    PCB MAking methods

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    There are three methods to make a PCB: ironing a printed circuit onto glossy paper, drawing the circuit by hand, or using an industrial laser etching process. The iron on glossy paper method involves printing the circuit layout, ironing it copper-side down onto a board, then etching away excess copper using ferric chloride solution. This method can precisely transfer each track but requires care. Alternatively, the circuit can be drawn directly onto the board with a marker, though this method is limited by artistic skills. After etching, holes are drilled and components are soldered to complete the PCB.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    83 views2 pages

    PCB MAking Methods

    Uploaded by

    Ravikant Verma
    There are three methods to make a PCB: ironing a printed circuit onto glossy paper, drawing the circuit by hand, or using an industrial laser etching process. The iron on glossy paper method involves printing the circuit layout, ironing it copper-side down onto a board, then etching away excess copper using ferric chloride solution. This method can precisely transfer each track but requires care. Alternatively, the circuit can be drawn directly onto the board with a marker, though this method is limited by artistic skills. After etching, holes are drilled and components are soldered to complete the PCB.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    Method to make PCB

    There are in all three basic methods to make PCB

    1. Iron on Glossy paper method


    2. Circuit by hand on PCB
    3. Laser cutting edge etching. Industrial Method)

    Step 1: Creating PCB Layout of Your Circuit

    1. This is usually done by converting your circuit's schematic diagram into a PCB layout using PCB layout
    software. There are many open source software packages for PCB layout creation and design.
    You need also: Permanent black marker, blade cutter, sandpaper, kitchen paper, cotton wool, some old
    clothes.
    Take a print out of your PCB layout using the laser printer and the A4 photo paper/glossy paper. Keep in
    mind the following points:
     1. You should take the mirror print out
     2. Select the output in black both from the PCB design software and printer driver settings
     3. Make sure that the printout is made on the glossy side of the paper
    4. Cut the copper board according to the size of layout.
    5. Rub the copper side of PCB using steel wool or abrasive spongy scrubs. This removes the top oxide
    layer of copper as well as the photo resists layer.

    Method 1:
    Iron on Glossy paper method: Transfer the printed image from the photo paper to the board. Make
    sure to flip top layer horizontally. Put the copper surface of the board on the printed layout. Ensure that
    the board is aligned correctly along the borders of the printed layout. Put tape along the two sides of
    the board non-copper side. This will help to hold the board and the printed layout in position.

    Method 2:
    Circuit by using permanent marker: Using reference of circuit image printed on glossy paper first draw
    basic sketch on copper plate with pencil and then by permanent black marker.
    1. After printing on glossy paper we iron it image side down to copper side. Heat up the Electric iron to
    the maximum temperature.
    2. Put the board and photo paper arrangement on a clean wooden table and clothes with the back of
    the photo paper facing you.
     3. Hold one end of it by the Towel and put the hot iron on the other end for about 10 seconds. Now,
    iron the photo paper all along using the tip and applying little pressure for about 5 to 15 mins.
     4. Pay attention towards the edges of the board – you need to apply pressure, do the ironing slowly.
     5. Long hard press seems to work better than moving iron around.
     6. Here iron heat melts ink printed on glossy paper and get transfer to copper plate.

    CAUTION: Do not directly touch copper plate because it is very hot due to ironing.
    After ironing, place printed plate in Luke warm water for around 10 minutes. Paper will dissolve and
    remove paper gently. Remove the Paper off at low angle & traces.
    In some cases while removing paper some of track get fainted.
    See figure in white box black line track is light in Colour hence we can use black marker to dark lighted
    track as shown in image.
    You need to be EXTREMELY careful & cautious while performing this step
    • First put rubber or plastic gloves.
    • Place some newspaper so that etching solution do not spoil floor.
    1) Take a plastic box and fill it up with some water.
    2) Dissolve 2-3 tea spoon of ferric chloride power in the water.
    3) Dip the PCB into the Etching solution (Ferric chloride solution, Fecl3) for approximately 30 mins.
    4) The Fecl3 reacts with the unmasked copper and removes the unwanted copper from the PCB.
    5) This process is called as Etching. Use pliers to take out the PCB and check if the entire unmasked area
    has been etched or not. In case it is not etched leave it for some more time in the solution.
    Gently move plastic box to and fro so that etching solution react with exposed copper and form iron and
    copper chloride.
    After every 2-3 minutes check whether all copper is etched or not.
    DO NOT DIRECTLY TOUCH ETCHING SOLUTION USE GLOVES
    In figure we can see that copper is slowly getting etched.

    Step: Disposal
    The etching solution is toxic to fish and other water organisms.
    Don't pour it in the sink when you are done. It is illegal to do so and might damage your pipes.
    Dilute etching solution and then dispose the solution.

    Figure show PCB of both circuit made using print out and using marker.
    A few drops of thinner (nail polish remover works well) on a pinch of cotton wool will remove
    completely the toner, bringing back the copper surface. Rinse carefully and dry with a clean cloth or
    kitchen paper. Trim to final size and refine edges with sandpaper. Acetone help glossy paper stick to
    rough paper.
    Drill hole and solder all the component & PCB is ready.

    Conclusion
    1. Iron on Glossy paper method is efficient method to make PCB at home. If done carefully each track
    can be perfectly printed.
    2. Circuit by hand on PCB is limited to our artistic skills. Simple circuit can easily be made by this method
    but for complex PCB Iron on Glossy paper is best.

    Summary if required material


    1. Toner Paper (print the circuit on the paper)
    2. Blank Circuit Board.
    3. Heat transfer of toner from paper to the board (it can be also done using the Iron used in homes)
    4. For etching ferric chloride (FeCl3.6H2O)
    5. Driller for drilling the holes in it.
    6. Solder wire and solder iron for soldering the PCB.

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