Once the design is done, print out the PCB mask on a transparency. Tip: if you are using a shared office-printer, you can set the printer to 'manual feed'. Then you won't risk anyone else interfering with your print-job on the transparacy (-Kristiaan De Paepe). |
Get a board, cut it to the right size, and place the transparency between board and the UV light. |
Make sure that the transparency is oriented correctly, and the protective paper is peeled off. You might also want to attach the board to the transparency with tape. |
After about 2 minutes and 20 seconds (depends on the kind of board) under the UV light, drop the board in a bath of developer fluid. Make sure to wear a glove. |
The etching fluid is reusable several times. You can look at the color of the fluid to estimate its effectiveness. This is still ok, for example... |
... but this color won't work! |
After a few seconds, the drawings of the PCB should become clear. |
When the etching has been done long enough (a minute or two should be ok), rinse it with water. |
Place the board in the holder, making sure it is fastened - you wouldn't want to go fishing in that chemical bath. |
Place it in the bath. The water's temperature should be around 40°C. To speed up the process, you can shake the holder a bit. |
After several minutes, the copper will start to fall off, leaving the board with nice circuitry (and your copyright notice). |
Get it out, and rinse it again with water. Make also sure you still wear a glove. |
Clean the board with Acetone... |
...then spray it a bit with protective solder flux. |
The easy part is drilling - if you have the right size and quality of drill. |
Here's a close-up shot. |