Hello, I have decided to start making PCBs at home. For that purpose I will use photo-sensitive PCBs and my trusty Laserjet (touches wood). I will print the artwork on Lasetstar film, then I will attach the film on to the PCB, and then I will expose the PCB to UV light for as long as necessary. I have seen some specially made lightboxes, basically it seems they are a simple box made of wood or metal which houses a couple of 8W Fluorescent tubes. On top of the box is a piece of transparent glass/perspex. I presume you place the PCB face down and press the switch. This box costs £70 at the cheapest, but if all it contains is 2 x 8W tubes and an on-off switch I think I will make it myself. Is that all it is or is there more science to it that I am missing? Can I use ordinary white light fluorescent tubes or must I buy exotic UV ones? Many thanks.
The photoresist on the board is sensitive to UV light. So you'll need UV tubes.
You can build your own light box. As long as you get the light intensity consistent across the board area, you'll get good results.
In my opinion, the photolithography approach to PCB fabrication provides the best results. But it's also the most expensive. For a less costly, but not as high quality approach, I suggest looking at toner transfer. There's plenty of info on this both on DIYAudio and the Internetz as a whole.
~Tom
You can build your own light box. As long as you get the light intensity consistent across the board area, you'll get good results.
In my opinion, the photolithography approach to PCB fabrication provides the best results. But it's also the most expensive. For a less costly, but not as high quality approach, I suggest looking at toner transfer. There's plenty of info on this both on DIYAudio and the Internetz as a whole.
~Tom
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