Dave Mucha wrote:
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "mikezcnc" <eemikez@c...> wrote:
>
>>I searched but weren't able to locate any posts on the subject but
>
> I
>
>>recall that tehre was a dicussion of it. Does anyone know a simple
>>method that works on plating holes in a PCB? Mike
>
>
> I think the best home-brew (closer to professional sho) unit is from
> Markus
>
> http://www.myhome.ch/mzingg/pcbstuff/tps/
>
>
> Also go back to the posts around 1100, maybe go directly to 1108 and
> start reading. IIRC, there was a detailed list of each step needed.
>
> This is not for the faint of heart nor a simple one shot project.
This is very true. The electroplating, and application of your own
photoresists is the other major parts of the PTH process.
In addition to etching, and photo imaging, you must;
1) cleaning PCB surface to prepare for electroplating.
2) ability to apply your own dry film photoresist
3) give holes the ability to plate.
4) setup acid copper electroplating tank with proprietary additives.
There are several methods of doing (3), such as with carbon dispersion,
electroless copper solutions, or with palladium colloid solutions. I
believe Markus's setup is using the palladium colloid solutions. All
three processes have their problems, and I would say the most critical
step in the process.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Adam