PCB fabrication (homebrew)

Printed circuit boards aka PCBs are the copper clad boards used for mounting and connecting electronic circuit components. Originally PCBs had holes for component leads, pins, wires, etc. which passed through and were soldered to the copper tracks on the underside. From the 1980s surface mount components have been used increasingly instead of through-hole components. Double-sided or multi-layer boards use plated-through holes, called vias to connect the traces on different layers. The most common PCBs are composed of either FR4 (glass fiber and epoxy), or the cheaper and easier to cut and drill but more brittle SRBP (Synthetic Resin Bonded Paper).

PCB layout design
PCB Layout

PCB fabrication
Homebrew vs. commercial

Photo resist
How to make really really good homemade PCBs by Mike Harrison

Toner transfer method
This is using a laser printer or copier (not inkjet) to print an image of the PCB tracks on glossy inkjet paper. Laying this printed side onto the de-oxidised and de-greased copper laminate and using an iron at a high temperature, on the rear of the paper to transfer the toner from the paper onto the copper. After soaking in water to remove the paper, the toner now transferred to the copper laminate acts as an etch resist.

Cutting and drilling
Hole dimensions, fibre board dust