Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, <listgroups08@...> wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Marko Pavlin"
> 
> Here's one interesting article:
> 
> http://www.smtnet.com/adsystem/redir.cfm?adid=1611
> 
> I think it could be simplified for hombrew applications.
> 
> Marko
> 
> ------------------------------------
> They 're using a 9mW laser scanning at 1m/s. I assume it is single
pass. 
> Laser printers are normally 0.3 to 0.5 mW but scan at a much higher
speed.
> 
> They're scanning in both X and Y axis. Printers only scan in the X axis.
> 
> To do this with a laser printer you would have to use a huge laser
or make 
> it multi pass.
> 
> Photo etching was an extension of existing photographic techniques
of the 
> time. This project is trying to be an extension of existing photo
etching 
> techniques.
> 
> I think it is time to re-think the design of the wheel.
> 
> Rather than substituting a new exposure technique we should be
re-designing 
> the process chemicals so the direct laser printing is a part of the 
> development process and not just the exposure process.
>

One way to 'reinvent' ways to process boards is to use additive
technologies rather than subtractive techniques currently employed. 
Off the top of my head: directly print the circuit onto the substrate
or modify the surface of the substrate such that only certain areas
can have deposits of conductive metal. I don't have any references
within easy reach but there a number of techniques in development.

I am not sure if anyone other than academia and industry are working
on such developments. Of course, a distillation of such a technique
inn cheap hack form would turn heads on this and other forums I am sure.

Joseph