Electronics

Electronics: Quality PCBs In Canada

The print-and-etch process of PCB fabrication is one of the most important steps in PCB manufacturing. It is a step which separates quality PCBs from PCBs that need to be repaired soon after fabrication, or that dont work at all. It is a highly-technical operation which takes a certain amount of finesse.

A copper sheet is coated with a layer of photo-resist. This material ensures that the selected areas will be resistant to the etching compound used later in the process. The copper is exposed to a high-energy light which will then project the circuit design onto the copper plate.

Once this is accomplished, the copper plate goes through an etching process where the selected areas of copper are washed away. The photoresist ensures that the traces themselves will not be washed away as well. Etching is normally performed in a long, conveyor-like machine with stages of chemical spraying and rinsing with water.

Etching Dangers to Watch out for
Etching is an area where environmental regulations play a part. Highly acidic and chemical compounds are used. It is also a major reason to hire a fabricator to perform the process rather than using a home etching kit. These kits are used by hobbyists rather than for professional-quality designs. It can be a way to test out a design before you send it off to a professional PCB manufacturer.