21 Apr 10 Build Printed Circuit Board Yourself
Thanks to the internet, making your own printed circuit boards is not all that difficult. You will need to get some type of PCB layout program as well as some etching equipment, a laser printer and a laminating machine.
It is possible to use your computer’s paint program to define the traces of your printed circuit board but considering the fact that the complexity of the circuit will be limited using a paint program, you may wish to use a free, top quality layout tool. You can download what is called EAGLE PCB that has the limitation of a max of one schematic page which is more than ample for most hobbyist. If you require more than that, you can buy the registered version which is relatively inexpensive.
Your board’s layout will need to be printed onto paper using a laser printer. The toner is then to be re-fused onto a blank copper board using a laminating machine. The paper is then soaked off, which leaves the toner behind.
Making your own printed circuit boards is challenging and fun. It is also far cheaper to create your own compared to having boards custom made for you by a PCB manufacturer. There are numerous ‘how to’ sites online that will walk you through the entire process using a series of photographs and/or videos.
