PCB exposure using a 3D printer

[zapta]

Here is an interesting DYY PCB howto that replaces the mask and exposure with 3D printing using a filament that sticks to copper.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Flexible-Circuit-Boards-Using-A-3D-Printer/?ALLSTEPS

[miguelvp]

That's is cool, but why not just use a flatbed plotter with ink?

I bet that will give more precise traces and if it's vector driven it could do angled traces and even length matched traces.

[Zad]

Uh. Erm... There seems to be something about 3D printers that inhibits the human facility to ask the question "Why?"

1. Print onto 2 cent per sheet OHP transparency.
2. Expose.
3...

[Alex Eisenhut]

Uh. Erm... There seems to be something about 3D printers that inhibits the human facility to ask the question "Why?"

1. Print onto 2 cent per sheet OHP transparency.
2. Expose.
3...

Sure but then you need sensitized copper and a UV light. This way if you already have the 3D printer... But I wonder how much that filament costs.

[Fred27]

It's great that people try out different things, but I won't be doing this with my printer. UV exposure may require sensitised boards but give far better results.

[con-f-use]

UV exposure may require sensitised boards but give far better results.

In addition to being much faster and cheaper (as well as having a better resolution?).

[ElektroQuark]

Better using a plastic that not stick to copper so you can reuse it.