Homebrew PCBs

Yeah, I'm going to have to do some math.  I have a 1st run of 20 demos or
so, I plan on doing those myself.  But the more I work trying to find an
alternative to photo-sensitive PCBs, the more I doubt I will ever get a
reliable and simple alternative.

Laser printer brand, laminator brand, even age of toner seems to be a
variable; getting all of those in line seems a very delicate balancing act.
Having to pass multiple times in the laminator is a big downer for me, I'm
not saving time.

I'll probably stick with printing on transparencies and using
photo-sensitive boards.  I get near professional quality every time, and the
process is so simple.  It may be a bit more expensive, but I appreciate the
quality, speed and ease of use.

We have a yearly collection of hazardous material in our town.  That's how I
plan on disposing of the crap.

I've been looking into fabricating my own CNC drilling station, but I'm just
a bit screws short of being able to do that yet.  :D   Soon...

Outsourcing is definitely the way to go once I increase volume, I have no
doubt on that.  I was just hoping to be able to push that back a bit, but
that seems unlikely given the results I've been having with toner transfer
and laminators.

Robert
:)




-----Message d'origine-----
De : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] De
la part de mycroft2152
Envoyé : mai 29 2005 18:46
À : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Objet : [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Minor production run?


Hi Robert,

I read yourpost about doing a minor production run of 100 8.5" x 11" 
pcbs.

There are definitely scaling up problems. Here are a few for your 
considerations:

Environmental --- disposal of the hazardous wastes produced.
                  disposal of the copper contanminated water.

Manufacturing -- sq footage needed to produce the pcbs
                 Manually drilling 500 holes per pcb, means 50,000 
holes! If you have never done this. be prepared. I would seriously 
consider a CNC driller.

Time -- it still takes time to take each board through the steps. 
Are you plannng on component markings or solder masks. Don't forget 
cutting and testing the boards.

All of these are acheivable for the home brewer. Any of the 
techeniques can be made to work, and work well for single pcbs and 
very small runs. But at those volumes the logical way is to send it 
to a board house and let them do it. The overall quality and 
appearance of the pcb will be much better.

I'm not saying don't try it. Home brewing pcbs is a lot a fun and a 
challenge, and there is a sense of pride in seeing the final result, 
but look at the bigger picture and decide for yourself.

Good Luck,

Myc









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