Are we removing copper from boards unnecessarily?

[Merlysys]

While researching the topic of 'copper removal from PCBs' I read this...

"We just want to remove enough copper from the board to create a safe amount of isolation between all our traces and pads, otherwise it will take the CNC machine too long to remove all unused material on the pcb..."
http://www.enactiveenvironments.com/enabling/cnc-milling-pcbs/

While the above refers to CNC milling away copper it can be applied to chemical etching as well. Even when using the chemical method we can save on material and time by following this simple rule. But may be software such as Kicad and Eagle do this already, or do they?

[c4757p]

Copper etched off in a real industrial process is reclaimed.

[tautech]

While researching the topic of 'copper removal from PCBs' I read this...

"We just want to remove enough copper from the board to create a safe amount of isolation between all our traces and pads, otherwise it will take the CNC machine too long to remove all unused material on the pcb..."
http://www.enactiveenvironments.com/enabling/cnc-milling-pcbs/

While the above refers to CNC milling away copper it can be applied to chemical etching as well. Even when using the chemical method we can save on material and time by following this simple rule. But may be software such as Kicad and Eagle do this already, or do they?

Substantial polygon pours achieve this reduction in copper removed and increased etchant life is the bonus.

[bitslice]

Using a soft(er) plastic substrate instead of glassfibre would perhaps solve a few problems with this milling process

[bitseeker]

Even when using the chemical method we can save on material and time by following this simple rule.

True. I've seen DIY boards where a minimal amount of area is designated to be etched. It looks like a big ground plane, even when one isn't needed. Now, if you're creating your mask with a laser printer, then of course you have to use more toner to preserve all that copper. I think the board looks good with minimal copper etched away.

[bitseeker]

Copper etched off in a real industrial process is reclaimed.

Makes sense.

[T3sl4co1l]

Ground plane is almost always better.  But don't leave it filling randomly or floating, connect it up, stitch it together.

Besides E&M performance, it reduces thermal resistance, keeps the board stiff, and reduces warpage (if it's done symmetrically on all layers).

Tim

[bitseeker]

Ground plane is almost always better.  But don't leave it filling randomly or floating, connect it up, stitch it together.

Besides E&M performance, it reduces thermal resistance, keeps the board stiff, and reduces warpage (if it's done symmetrically on all layers).

Tim

Form + Function = Win

[Mechatrommer]

beside those savings... with the presence of the unecassary ground plane, copper/polygon pour, in case you need to refine or modify the board, adding some components etc, you still have extra copper to cut/mod as a place to where they stand. with the wastefull tracks only board, you need to redo the whole board or add another copper plane on it.

[bitseeker]

beside those savings... with the presence of the unecassary ground plane, copper/polygon pour, in case you need to refine or modify the board, adding some components etc, you still have extra copper to cut/mod as a place to where they stand. with the wastefull tracks only board, you need to redo the whole board or add another copper plane on it.

Good idea. I hadn't thought about that extra bonus.

[free_electron]

Etchant life is irellevant. In the industrial etching cycle 100% of the etchant is regenerated. They simply extract the copper . The only waste product is electricity used .

[Mechatrommer]

...They simply extract the copper . The only waste product is electricity used .

the more copper being etched, the more electricity is required to recover that, correct?
and from hobbiest standpoint.. the more copper being etched, the more echant will go to waste, correct?