1 Topic by georgefomitchef

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Topic: Production of a printed circuit boards, using diode laser

Production of a printed circuit boards, using diode laser installed on a 3D printer.

We made a video how to make a printed circuit boards using diode laser installed on a 3D printer (or you can put on any CNC mill) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q39atHpMnfo

The idea is that you cover copper board with a vinyl film and then remove it with a diode laser.
The simply put into Ferrum chloride.

If anyone has an idea how to make edges more accurate, please let us know.

Skype:george.fomitchev
E-mail: [email protected]

2 Reply by IanJohnson

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Re: Production of a printed circuit boards, using diode laser

Use spraypaint, so there is better contact and less chance for acid to get underneath.   Heat the acid in a hot water bath to speed the reaction, and use a sponge to gently wash acid over the board.  This keeps fresh acid in contact with the copper, and your active participation means you won't leave it in the acid too long, giving it time to undercut the mask.  With warm acid and a sponge, etching should only take a few minutes.  Wear gloves and an apron.

Again, never cut vinyl with a laser.  Sticker sheets are also available in polyester, though they can be harder to find.  If the package doesn't say what the sheets are made of, they are probably vinyl.

Remember that traces will be thinner than designed by the width of the laser spot.

3 Reply by knowack

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Re: Production of a printed circuit boards, using diode laser

Dumb question, but can't you directly etch the board by just using the laser to burn the copper away?

4 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Production of a printed circuit boards, using diode laser

knowack wrote:

Dumb question, but can't you directly etch the board by just using the laser to burn the copper away?

The laser in qustion is not strong enough. Nor the correct wavelength for a shiny surface.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.