Printed Circuit Board Etching (Permanent Marker Method) Michael M 5/18/05
Objective
To create a PCB using the Ferric chloride etching process.
Prerequisite Skills
Materials
Ferric chloride
Safety Goggles
Blank PCB
Plastic scrub pad
Shallow plastic container (Just larger than the PCB)
Permanent Marker
1/32” drill bit (or small brad nail)
1/16” drill bit
Procedures PCB Creation
Clean the PCB (copper side) with a plastic scrub pad and warm water.
Trace the foil pattern onto the board with a permanent marker.
Cut board to size with step shear.
Put on Safety Goggles!
Carefully immerse the PCB in Ferric chloride, using only enough to cover the board.(fig 1)
When the board has been etched wash with water and clean off marker with plastic scrub pad.
Check to make sure all foil pads are electrically isolated from each other using the continuity tester.
Drill holes for components using brad nail as drill bit (aprox 1/32 in diameter). To prepare brad nail as drill: Cut off nail head and chuck in dremil tool. Use the point to drill holes in PCB.
Drill holes for wire connections using 1/16” drill bit.
Place components on board and carefully solder. (fig 2)
For extra durability, flow solder over all of the PCB traces. (fig 3)
- PrintedCircuitBoards
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