shellyfhl

thanks a bunch! definitely helped! =)

is the "silkscreen" the same as the "legend" ???

i have figured out what i am going to write about now... inkjetting can eliminate these steps: -printing out the CAD drawing onto a sheet that is put on top of the board (what is that CAD drawing called again? the mask?) don't need this step anymore b/c inkjetting will allow the CAD drawing to be directly drawn onto the circuit board. -no more need for applying photoresist -no exposure -no develop step -no etching -no more etching after soldermask is put on. inkjet can spray the soldermask on? that is that i have so far. feel free to correct me or provide more info as to HOW inkjetting circuitry has more advantage over the current process of making PCBs.

klanger, what do you mean "population of the PCB" ?

inkjetting has definitely been an idea the past years. i think it IS just a matter of COST of why companies haven't implemented it yet. it would also take much time to study/research this new development. i guess for the remainder of my research project, i am: 1. comparing the current process to the future inkjetting process and seeing WHICH steps inkjetting would replace 2. how inkjetting would be better than the current process...i found some articles about hazardous waste and environmental concernes regarding today's process.

I have been doing my research and have found books about PCB fabrication. Now, I am wondering... 1. Why haven't companies implemented inkjet circuitry yet? What is holding them back? Cost? Training? 2. Why would the cost be for this new application? If anyone knows, PLEASE PLEASE let me know, thanks! or even if you know of any articles/resources, that would be fabulous!

true. good point.

Thank you Swansont. Those websites were helpful and I will definitely use them as a source. However, maybe I should have rephrased my question. I am looking for a step-by-step procedure of how professional manufacturing companies make PCB's. Just like the two website you referred me to, I also found many about "home-made PCB's" using irons and other household objects. Nonetheless, I would like to write my research project about the current technologies used in businesses, so that is a more professional representation and more accurate comparison with future developments (inkjetting). I hope this makes sense.

I'm a student doing a research project on PCB's (printed circuit boards) for my Digital Manufacturing class. I will be discussing the current technology used today for constructing PCB's and the future developments of ink jetting circuitry. In regards to the first part of my project (today's method of making PCB's), I have been surfing the web all day to find a website that has a simple step-by-step procedure of how a PCB is built, but all the websites I have come across are so detailed and do not have a clear cut "list" of how a PCB is made. They all suggest different methods and I would like to know the general one that is used. I am aware of a copper clad on top of the FR-4. Then i think the ink is put on top of this copper, which is then layered on by a mask. Some sort of light exposure process takes place and then the substrate goes into the etching phase. That is all I know, but I have no clue how to phrase it in a professional manner. Can anyone possibly help me with this by listing for me the steps taken in today's process in developing printed circuit boards? And don't worry, I will definitely cite you as a resource, if you so desire.