PCBgogo

All electronic devices, such as telephones and computers, are based on electronic circuits. These circuits are made on Printed Circuit Boards or PCBs. A typical PCB contains a large number of electronic components connected together through thin copper strips on the board known as "traces." Development of a PCB involves etching a copper-coated board according to the design of the circuit known as "mask."

Instructions

1 Click on "Open" in the "File" menu to open the layout file in the PCB design software in which the layout has been made.

2 Place the butter paper in the laser printer's tray. Make sure that the printer is connected to the computer. In the PCB design software, select "Print" from the "File" menu. A dialog will pop up. Select the laser printer and click "OK."

3 Cut out the layout image just printed on the butter paper using scissors. It is a good practice to leave out about half an inch of space on each side of the layout while cutting.

4 Measure the length and width of the layout's outline from the image printed on the butter paper and draw a rectangle of the same size on the copper board with a marker.

5 Place the board in the tile cutter and align the side to be cut with the cutting edge of the cutter. Leave out about an inch of space on each side of the board while cutting. Push the cutter's handle all the way down to cut off the board. Repeat this process for cutting all sides of the board.

6 Rub the paper on its sides.

7 Place the printed butter paper on the board and use transparent tape to hold it on the board.

8 Place the board in the UV bath and close off its lid. Turn the bath on and wait for about two minutes for the process to complete.

9 Open the UV bath's lid and take the board out. Remove the butter paper from the board and place it in a safe and dry place for future use.

10 Pour NaOH solution in one of the trays and Ferric Chloride solution in the other. Place the board in the tray containing NaOH and leave it there for about two minutes. Take the board out and rinse it with tap water.

11 Place the board in the tray containing Ferric Chloride solution for about 20 minutes. Occasionally shake the tray to speed up the etching process. Rinse the board in tap water after taking it out of the solution. Dry the board with a cloth.