Homebrew PCBs

Stefan Trethan wrote:

> On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 12:02:13 +1000, Adam Seychell 
> <a_seychell@...> wrote:
> 
> 
>>I agree with Ballendo,
>>In regards to amount of hours spent building any spray etching
>>machine, you will save far more time (and possibly money)trying
>>to by off the shelf parts, rather than go through the R+D and
>>construction of an alternative spraying technique. The concept
>>may look simple, but making your contraption into a practical
>>work of art is a totally different ball game. Try searching the
>>Homebrew_PCBs archives, as there was some discussion possible
>>pumps to use. The brands Shurflo and Flojet come to mind, which
>>are available from most caravan equipment suppliers. Prices are
>>on the order of US$50.
>>
>>
>>Adam
> 
> 
> what i would fear with a pump setup is the fixed position of the nozzles -
> how do you get a even etch?

You wouldn't get a even etch with stationary nozzles. The nozzles 
  are mounted on a piece of pipe and the pipe can be rotated 
about the axis or it can more linearly across the board. The 
nozzle pipe can be manually rotated via a shaft exiting the 
chamber. I'll post the details of my spray etcher that is 
currently in the making.

Here are some early pictures I've taken of the tank during 
construction.

The spray etch and copper plating tank unit.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1376.jpg

Top view inside the tank, and the spray arm.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1378.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1379.jpg

some pluming under the tanks
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1381.jpg

spray test with water
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1384.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1385.jpg

nozzle pressure gauge with water
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1388.jpg

Example of how the PCB will be mounted during spraying.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/pictures_of_etching_machine/IMGP1392.jpg