Homebrew PCBs

Like Matthew, I don't have any direct experience, but there are documented
tutorials online of this working very well...I think the one I watched even
concerned an Epilog, using some common form of black paint.

I recall it being important to configure the tool path for the laser to
start on the end of the board that was furthest from the vacuum outlet of
the cutting area, and then working towards it. This was to prevent the
vaporized paint particles from redepositing on the already-exposed parts of
the board.

Lucky you for having access to such a powerful tool...I love to hear how it
works out!

-Andrew

On Fri, Dec 24, 2010 at 12:48 PM, jwdufass <chiphead@...> wrote:

>
>
> OK team, I have an Epilog Helix laser (http://www.www.epiloglaser.com).
> While this can't etch the copper off a PCB, it can do a very nice job of
> etching coatings off of copper, down to a VERY fine resolution.
>
> Question is: What could easily be used to coat a copper clad board that
> will be resistant to the etchant (pick your flavor).
>
> Ideally, the coating could also serve as a solder mask, and the process
> could go something like this:
>
> * Coat the copper
> * Reverse lase the board to remove the coating
> * Etch
> * Optionally re-coat (or clean and coat with a different substance)
> * Lase to remove coating from copper pads
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> John R.
> Beaver Dam, WisCOWnsin
>


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