Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an essential component of practically all electronics applications. They bring electrical and electromechanical devices to life by directing signals inside the circuit and allowing them to work. Many individuals understand what PCBs are, but only a few understand how they are made. PCBs are now built utilizing the pattern plating method. They will proceed to the following phase, which will primarily consist of etching and stripping. This post will walk you through the many stages of the printed circuit board design process, with a focus on the etching and stripping of the circuit board.

PCB Design and Manufacturing Process 

The PCB manufacturing process may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, particularly in terms of component mounting procedures, testing processes, and so on. They are mass-produced utilizing various automated machinery for drilling, plating, punching, and so forth. Except for minor differences, the main phases of the PCB manufacturing process are the same.

Stage 1: An Eight-Step Guide to Etching Your PCBs

A copper layer is bonded across the entire substrate to create PCBs. Copper layers are sometimes applied to both sides of the substrate. Using a temporary mask, the PCB etching process, also known as a controlled horizontal procedure, removes extra copper from the PCB panel. The circuit board is left with the desired copper traces after the etching operation. The etching of PCBs is carried out using highly aggressive ammonia-based solutions, such as ferric chloride or hydrochloric acid. Both compounds are thought to be inexpensive and plentiful. To etch your PCB, you must follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Designing a circuit board using any software of your choosing is the first stage of the etching procedure. Once the design is complete, have it printed on transfer paper. Check that the design will fit inside the paper's shiny side.

Step 2: Now, neatly sand the copper plate to make its surface rough enough to retain the circuit board design. While doing this step, keep the following points in mind:

When working with etching solutions, wear surgical or safety gloves. This will keep oil from transferring to the copper plate and your hand.

While sanding the copper plate, make careful to cover all of the edges.

Step 3: Use water and rubbing alcohol to clean the copper plate. This will clean the plate's surface of minute copper particles. Allow the plate to dry thoroughly after washing.

Step 4: Carefully cut out the PCB design and set it face-down on the copper plate. The plate is now repeatedly cycled through laminators until it is heated.

Step 5: Remove the heated plate from the laminator and place it in a cool bath. Agitate the plate for a few minutes, until the paper floats on water.

Step 6: Remove the circuit design from the water and immerse it in the etching solution. Agitate the plate for another half hour to aid in the dissolution of undesired copper around the design.

Step 7: Allow the plate to dry once the excess copper has been rinsed away in a water bath. When the copper plate has completely dried, rub it with alcohol to remove the ink that has been transferred to the circuit board design.

Step 8: You now have an etched circuit board; however, you must drill the holes with the necessary tools. 

Stage 2: PCB Stripping Process

Even after etching, some copper remains on the circuit board and is covered by tin/lead or electroplated tin. Nitric acid easily eliminates tin while preserving the copper circuit fractures behind the tin metal. As a result, the circuit board will have a clearly defined copper outline, and it is ready to proceed to the following procedure - Solder Resist.

Stage 3: Solder Resistant 

This is a key step in the PCN design process that involves covering unsoldered portions on circuit boards with solder resist material. As a result, the solder is prevented from generating traces, which can lead to shortcuts to nearby component leads.

Stage 4: PCB Testing

After the PCB is created, testing is essential to ensure its functionality and features. The PCB manufacturer uses this procedure to evaluate whether the circuit board is functioning properly. PCBs are now checked utilizing a variety of sophisticated testing equipment. ATG test machines, which feature flying probes and fixtureless testers, are primarily used for testing big volume PCBs.

Stage 5: PCB Assembly

This is the final process in PCB fabrication, and it mostly involves the placement of various electronic components into their corresponding holes. This can be accomplished using either through-hole or surface mount technologies. The leads of the component are fixed electrically as well as mechanically to the circuit board using molten metal solder in both approaches.

This is everything about the PCB manufacturing process. If you want to learn more about soldering tips or soldering materials, you can contact industry-leading manufacturers like Creative Hi-Tech. Throughout the design process, their highly qualified and experienced experts support you.