PCB etching includes the following:
PCB etching process is one of the key steps in making PCB boards, and the process is as follows:
Prepare The Substrate: The substrate for making the etched board should be insulating material with smooth surface and reliable quality, such as fiberglass cloth, epoxy resin, etc.
Coating Photographic Ink: Coating a layer of photographic ink on the surface of the substrate to protect the substrate and enable the circuit graphics can be firmly attached to the substrate.
Exposure and Development: The substrate coated with photographic ink is placed in an exposure machine, and the circuit pattern to be produced is reverse printed on a transparent film, which is then covered with photographic ink and exposed with ultraviolet light. After exposure and development, the circuit graphics are rendered on the substrate.
Etching: The exposed and developed substrate is placed in an etching machine, where chemical reactions are used to remove the parts that do not need to be etched to obtain the final circuit pattern.
De-filming: The photographic ink is removed using a de-filming agent to expose the copper layer.
Cleaning and Drying: Use the cleaning agent to clean the residual chemicals and dirt, and then dry the process.
The above is the basic process of PCB etching, the specific operation may vary depending on the actual situation.
Characteristics of the PCB Etching Process
The PCB etching process includes the following features:
High Precision: PCB etching technology has a high degree of precision, and can realize high-precision etching operations to ensure the accuracy of the circuit board.
High Efficiency: The etching process can realize continuous operation, greatly improving production efficiency.
Wide Applicability: Etching technology is not only suitable for single-panel manufacturing, but also for double-sided boards and multilayer board manufacturing, with a wide range of applications.
Simple Operation: The operation of etching technology is relatively simple, low requirements for equipment and skills, easy to realize automated production.
Environmental Protection: Etching technology using chemical reagents and waste is easy to deal with, less impact on the environment, in line with environmental requirements.
It should be noted that the PCB etching process needs to pay attention to the control of the use of chemical reagents and waste disposal, in order to avoid adverse effects on the environment and the human body. At the same time, etching technology also needs continuous improvement and innovation to meet the changing market demand and technology development trends.
PCB Etching Process Considerations
In the PCB Etching process, the following points need to be noted:
Etchant Selection: Should be based on the PCB board and design requirements to select the appropriate etchant, such as acidic etchant, alkaline etchant, etc..
Etching Speed: Etching speed should be controlled within the appropriate range, too fast or too slow will affect the etching quality and accuracy of the circuit board.
Etching Uniformity: The etching process should ensure that the entire surface of the PCB board etching speed consistent, in order to avoid the appearance of uneven board surface or uneven etching.
Side-etching Control: Side-etching is an unavoidable phenomenon in the etching process, effective measures should be taken to control the degree of side-etching to reduce the impact on the performance of the circuit board.
Graphic Integrity: In the etching process, should ensure that the circuit graphics are not damaged or deformed, in order to maintain the design accuracy and reliability of the circuit board.
Environmental Protection: Acid or alkaline etchant may produce harmful substances during use, effective measures should be taken to reduce environmental pollution and health hazards to employees.
Waste Liquid Disposal: Used etching waste liquid should be properly disposed of to minimize the hazards to the environment and human health.
In addition, the following points should be noted in the PCB etching process:
Preparation Work Before Etching: Including checking whether there are defects on the PCB board and whether the surface treatment is qualified.
Etching Equipment Maintenance and Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of etching equipment to ensure the normal operation and accuracy of the equipment.
Safety Protection Measures: Appropriate safety protection equipment should be worn during the production process, such as acid and alkali resistant gloves, protective glasses, etc., to ensure the safety of employees.
Quality Inspection: Quality inspection should be carried out during the etching process, such as microscope inspection, image processing and other ways to carefully observe and measure the circuit board to ensure the etching quality and reliability of the circuit board.
PCB etching process requires attention to many issues, the need for board manufacturers with advanced equipment and technical strength and strict quality management system to ensure that the production of circuit boards to meet customer requirements. At the same time, in the design phase need to consider the performance and reliability requirements of the circuit, rational arrangement of component layout and wiring and other elements.
