On Tue, Mar 2, 2010 at 7:39 PM, Vitaliy wrote: > It's an interesting idea, although it sounds less practical than a 3D > printer due to the extra complexity. If the main selling point is instant > gratification and the user can tolerate extra cost, you could simplify the > process even further. > > - You can eliminate the "spray with photo resist" step if you use > presensitized blanks. Package several of them into a "cassette" that user > can load into the machine. But then you lose the ability to plate through holes, which could also be eliminated, but then you're simply back to the existing hobby process. > - Print the design on transparent film (faster exposure). If you don't mind adding a printer to the mix. On the other hand, a custom built inkjet should be able to handle direct printing of the resist, get rid of the presensitized and develop step altogether, and perhaps add a white color for silkscreen. If a suitable mask ink was found, one could inkjet print the photoresist, then the mask and silkscreen. Still have to solve the through hole plating issue though, and so far the chemical/electro methods seem to be the best automated process On the other hand, it shouldn't be too hard to mechanically insert wire, crimp or bend the top side (gravity holds in place), and apply paste to both sides prior to the oven. In fact, I think I'd prefer that: 1. Little 4x6 double sided PCB blanks in hopper (eurocard size) 2. Print etch mask (both sides) 3. Etch 4. Drill, route 5. Clean 6. Print mask, silkscreen 7. Apply paste (Special procedure for vias, would require paste on both sides) 8. Place parts, insert wire via jumpers (crimp top side) 9. Oven 10. Test, program 11. RepRap case 12. Insert and glue into case 13. Close case A small setup would require 7 modules or stations: Hopper Printer (two sides) Etching tank CNC Cleaning tank/process Paste applicator (both sides for vias) Pick and place (capable of placing wires in vias, and crimping/bending/clipping top side) Oven Assuming, of course, that the CNC, paste applicator, and pick and place are all the same module/station. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist