How I Make Circuit Boards

Note: This is just what I have learned so far. Please do your own research on chemicals, proper disposal, and safety procedures. Thank you.
I designed this model to hold a permanent marker on my CNC machine to draw the traces of my custom circuit boards.
You don't have to use this just for circuit boards. You could also use this to draw art.
3D file to print: www.thingivers...
PCB Holder: www.thingivers...
This machine goes by many names but here is a wiki to the same cnc machine I bought. linksprite.com/...
Thank you for watching!

[@isg9106]

Wow! Insane DIYing right here! You should title these with DIY somehow, people are always searching for ways to save money!

[@tswellersalzer1850]

You could use the CNC directly for machining the PCB without etching.

[@MrBleulauneable]

Kudos for showing the 3D printed failures from the design process ! If you ever make a video on this subject I'd watch it ;)

[@3DSage]

I just finished making my own simple computer with toggle switch input and output pins. I'm so excited to make a video on it soon. :)

[@aarongarcia8226]

Very well done 👍. That was awesome and entertaining. I would like to learn more . Thx for the video .

[@3DSage]

its always so nice to read messages like this so thank you for taking the time to send it! :)

[@troglodude980]

Does the permanent marker prevent the copper beneath it from being removed via acid

[@ArchmageMinis]

Yes

[@ruadeil_zabelin]

Very nice. What CNC machine do you have? Also, did you need any sort of heating for the chemicals or did you just put it in the bowl cold?

[@3DSage]

I did not heat the chemicals but I have seen other people do that online. Mine worked at room temperature. The machine goes by many names. This wiki is the printer I bought. linksprite.com/wiki/index.php5?title=DIY_CNC_3_Axis_Engraver_Machine_PCB_Milling_Wood_Carving_Router_Kit_Arduino_Grbl

[@ruadeil_zabelin]

Thank you very much for your reply.

[@oliq8122]

Can i get a link to the DFX_to_GCAM.exe please?

[@sletwwokhoo2663]

i have cnc machine like this and im interested in to make same things but I cant download this programs like dxf to gcam please comment download link

[@AugustoCoelhoHenriques]

working like a charm, very nice

[@3DSage]

So far so good! I just want to push this and see how small I can make the traces so I can make more compact circuits.

[@AugustoCoelhoHenriques]

if you put planetary gear on nemas you wont get a small step and better resolution? maybe with a litle changes on code ?

[@3DSage]

True that might help. My problem is if I draw the traces very thin, then the chemicals will break the lines. So I need a stronger ink or a lighter chemical.

[@AugustoCoelhoHenriques]

if you follow the equation: (2) H2O2 + 2(CH3COOH) + Cu = 2(CH3COO-) + Cu2+ + 2(H20) will give a better resolution, you can mix a hydrogen peroxide with vinegar and table salt, the reaction brings neutral Cu atoms of the board to Cu2+ ions in solution that would form copper acetate (it is the combination of one Cu2+ ion and two CH3COO- "acetate" ions). And, at one point the bath would reach an equilibrium (because there is as much Cu2+ forming from Cu than Cu2+ getting back at a solid Cu form). The proportions are quite strange because depends of the state of copper.

[@3DSage]

Yes I tried that too but I had the same results. I think the vinegar and salt put off more bubbles which act like a scrub brush and scrap away the lines over time since it took over 5 times longer. I might skip the chemicals and see how I can drill around the traces as thin as I can. Thank you for your help.

[@limengwei608]

Hello Sir, May i ask, where can i get the converter for DXF to GCAM?

[@pislify34]

cad.online-convert.com/convert-to-dxf

[@spektrumelectronics1313]

can't wait to see your video pcb engraving around traces in order to stop with chemicals, do you is it possible to take a pcb layout (pdf, gif or png) and then send it to camcad to mill them? but i think pcb traces for example the one you find on the web (musicfromouterspace.com) are not suited to mill around (ie traces to close each other so no space for the engraving lines)... mmm what about double sided pcb? mmm and gerber files? too much things to learn, i have my machine since 1 day, but i'm impressed with precision of drilling holes! i make them with a vertical drill ahaha

[@3DSage]

Yes I did try milling around traces and it did work! I forgot to film the process but I can redo it. Double side, I haven't tried but I think there is a way to do it. Just align the pcb perfectly.

[@spektrumelectronics1313]

3DSage wonderful I’m so happy! Can’t wait to see your results !

[@nilsschenkel7149]

You should be able to make double- sided PCBs reliably when you include some kind of indexing feature in your design e.g. you cut out a rectangular piece with a recess in the lower-left and upper-left corner. Now you fix a locating device (pin or finger clamp) where the lower-left corner will be, also along the lower or left edge of your rectangle (it works with either, but to be safe you can also do both). When you now flip your PCB, you can reliably locate it against these points, and then clamp it down.

[@g.vrohit333]

how you are doing that dxf to gcam conversion ?

[@pislify34]

cad.online-convert.com/convert-to-dxf

[@devhonk1722]

Only 30 comments? Hell no!