PCB Etching Workshop

Preparing for the Workshop

• Make sure you've run through the workshop before the day of the workshop. There are many aspects
• This workshop is maximum of 8 people. If you only have 1 printer and/or 1 laminator consider reducing class to a size of 6.

Topics

1. Overview of the process including alternatives
2. Copper clad variations and acid options (including disposal)
3. Transfer sheet and transfer method options
4. Hands on making!

Steps

1. Print design on paper and mock the board layout to make sure the print is scaled correctly and the mirroring is correct.
2. Cut transfer paper about an inch oversized and tape it to the original print. Print again on the glossy side of the paper.
3. Cut copper clad to approximate size - about an inch over sized again.
4. Using painters tape, tape 1 or 2 edges of the transfer to the copper.
5. Run through the laminator 5 - 10 times (until you're tired of doing it)
6. Soak copper and transfer in water for a couple of minutes, then peel off the transfer.
7. Use 2 sandwich bags and etch the board with ferric chloride
8. Drill the holes using drill press or dremel press.
9. Solder, Test, and Done!

PCB Equipment Needed for Space

Here's a link to the equipment at hackrva for PCB etch: PCB_Making_Equipment

Here's a link to a supply list for this workshop: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13CzrknA-gje8imDsIwGcc6N7ohlUdvaHhMr8B-QhfR0/edit#gid=0

Example Projects for Teaching

PCB Workshop Blinky 1
This is a simple LED board at about 2"x3" inches.

Parts List

• (1) Button
• (1) Battery Holder
• (1) Resistor
• (1) LED