1. How to make a PCB

2. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
A PCB has copper tracks connecting the holes where components need to be placed.
To build using a PCB you must make sure components are soldered correctly into the spaces designed for them.
The are designed specifically for a circuit.

3. The Manufacturing Process…
Design
Artwork
PCB Etching
Drilling
Soldering

4. Design
Circuit boards are designed by electronics engineers and drawn up using CAD circuit software.

5. Artwork
The computer drawing is converted into an image with connecting tracks. The finished image is printed onto acetate ready for manufacture.

6. Artwork

7. Manufacture
The acetate is transferred onto a copper covered board. The PCB is etched to create the component positions on the board and the tracks ready for soldering.

8. Drilling
After etching, the board is drilled ready for the components to be mounted.

9. Soldering
Finally, components are placed onto the board and soldered into position.

10. Surface Mount Technology
SMT is the process used to mass manufacture PCB’s. Components are soldered directly onto the board instead of drilling holes and placing the components.

11. Surface Mount Technology
Solder applied to board and robots are used to PICK and PLACE components into position. Board is heated to fix components in place.

12. Surface Mount Technology
Why?

13. Surface Mount Technology
Reduced labour, reduces manufacture costs.
Components can be smaller + lighter.
Less human effort / higher accuracy.
Robots can be used!
More complex boards on less space.