Introduction

The first question that I can hear u thinking is what’s a PCB? PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board, for example your motherboard is one big PCB (just multilayered) obviously a motherboard is way out of our league, however with some household equipment and some chemicals we can make ourselves some great casemodding PCB’s. Just think of fading LED’s, homemade fan controllers, and anything else you can come up with. In this guide I’m going to explain how to make a usable PCB. With this step by step guide you can make you own in no time, here’s a list of things that will be needed.

Plastic Tweezer

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is for guidance only. The application of this tutorial can differ extensively based on the particular items involved. The information on this site is provided with the understanding that the author(s) and publisher(s) are cannot be held legally responsible for any injury or death that may result from this or any other article at OCModShop. With this being said be sure to understand what you are doing before you attempt what is being shown. If you have any questions about any aspect of the article please contact the author or another experienced individual before proceeding.

Caustic soda, which is also referred to as Sodium Hydroxide.
The first thing we need is a design of what you want to make. There are all kinds of programs for that and you can even do it by hand. I’m using the program called EAGLE, you can find it here. I won’t be going into the details of using the programs that are available, instead download a trial and experiment for yourself. As long as you already have a basic understanding of electronics you will be fine. If you don’t, look around on forums and modding sites, Google also has a lot of information. One warning tough, when you get busy with this stuff it can become addictive so don’t be afraid to experiment and don’t quit when you have a setback. Remember the Wright Brothers first airplane design didn’t fly but that didn’t stop them.

When you have finished your desired electronic scheme, you need to print it on a sheet of transparent film. This is an important part of the process, the higher quality your printout is the better your end result will be so a good printer is a must. Also take note what your component side is, because you might need to mirror the image

Protective Layer	Art on the photosensitive layer

From here on begins the actual Etching process. The board itself is made of multiple layers of glass fiber, also known as an epoxy board. First measure what size board you need and saw it off using a hacksaw. The blue plastic layer is the protection layer of the copper and photosensitive layer. If you damage the board don’t use it because it will turn out bad. Don’t remove the plastic layer until the very last moment when where going to expose it to the UV light. Remove the protective layer, and place your printout the way you want it, and again take notice that it’s mirrored.

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Page 1 of 4 1 : Introduction 2 : Exposure 3 : Etching 4 : Finishing up

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