b3groover
Well-known member
Hi folks,
So I'm nervously going to venture into PCB making. I think I'm going to go with the MG Chemicals kits (http://www.mgchemicals.com/techsupport/photo_demo.html#10) as linked on Kev's Group DIY website.
The MG Chemicals site suggest you kit the Photofabrication Kit ($41.83 from Allied here in the states), the Exposure Kit ($32.12 from Allied) and the Etching Kit ($169.49). Now that's a lot of bread!
So here are my questions: The Exposure Kit looks like it consists of a flourescent light fixure and a plexiglass plate to hold the artwork to the PCB. I can get light fixtures and plexiglass at my hardware store for cheap. Do you just stick a UV (ie, blacklight) bulb in there and have at it? Maybe build a little lightbox?
Secondly, the important part of the etching process is (obviously) the right chemicals, heat, and agitation, right? Couldn't I just get a fish pump, a "coffee heater" and a decent plastic tank thing (or even glass... my bro works at a pet store)? Then it's just a matter of getting the right chemical (ferric chloride) right?
I know this might sound silly, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything. These kits seem awfully expensive for what they are.
Thanks!
So I'm nervously going to venture into PCB making. I think I'm going to go with the MG Chemicals kits (http://www.mgchemicals.com/techsupport/photo_demo.html#10) as linked on Kev's Group DIY website.
The MG Chemicals site suggest you kit the Photofabrication Kit ($41.83 from Allied here in the states), the Exposure Kit ($32.12 from Allied) and the Etching Kit ($169.49). Now that's a lot of bread!
So here are my questions: The Exposure Kit looks like it consists of a flourescent light fixure and a plexiglass plate to hold the artwork to the PCB. I can get light fixtures and plexiglass at my hardware store for cheap. Do you just stick a UV (ie, blacklight) bulb in there and have at it? Maybe build a little lightbox?
Secondly, the important part of the etching process is (obviously) the right chemicals, heat, and agitation, right? Couldn't I just get a fish pump, a "coffee heater" and a decent plastic tank thing (or even glass... my bro works at a pet store)? Then it's just a matter of getting the right chemical (ferric chloride) right?
I know this might sound silly, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything. These kits seem awfully expensive for what they are.
Thanks!