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Our Practical Tip: Templates for switching processes

Hobby for others who like to experiment. do-it-yourselfers have the opportunity to make their own printed circuit boards. The so-called positive procedure has been adopted from photography and is based on the UV exposure with a switching power originalon a positively coated photo printed circuit board. Printed circuit board templates with many circuit layouts can be found on the Internet or in appropriate magazines. 

You can create custom connectors for layouts with special software. UV radiation is needed to transfer the layout to the copper surface. Whether you use a professional lighting device for that or if you help yourself with other UV devices is left up to you. In order for the procedure to work, several small power UV tubes are generally needed. The exposure time depends on the respective exposure machine and the distance to the printed circuit board. Keep in mind that the photolayer of the printed circuit board has a spectral sensitivity of 400 nm. 

Criteria - where does it matter? 

Basically the choice is where to use the pcb assembly. Depending on whether you need the PCB for installation in a particular device or need a basis for experimental circuits and control of parts, there are either ready-made variants with conductor tracks and pre-set soldering points - perhaps already provided with parts - or " blank "printed circuit boards, which give you all the options, better. Plug-in printed circuit boards are a good choice, especially for trial and experimentation, while standardized models with specific, ready-to-use switching circuits can be useful for equipping computers or other equipment. Another selection criterion is the material, or more precisely the support material , on the copper layers. It used to be common and still today is often found printed circuit boards made of hard paper (material ID: FR2). However, glass fiber mats soaked in epoxy resin (ID: FR4) are always used, which, in comparison with the hard paper variant, show a lower water absorption and better insulation properties. The size of the PCB is also important, especially if the PCB is to be built into an enclosure. The dimensions of Europe cards are set at 100 x 160 mm according to DIN 41494 and IEC 60297, with variations allowed. Furthermore, there are printed circuit boards in many sizes. You can quickly find matching products in our online shop according to the length and grid size of the discs. Frequently asked questions - frequently asked questions about printed circuit boards 

How can ICH make my own switchable templates?

Those who want to realize their own switchable can create your own templates. For this, use the best printed circuit board software for the PC that is equipped with useful functions such as editing and drawing functions. The original print in high resolution. It is important to ensure that every detail cannot be transferred precisely during the subsequent exposure of the printed circuit board.

WAS are there when soldering goes?

The A and O in the own hand equipping of printed circuit boards with components is - in addition to the outside and a calm hand - suitable equipment. When it comes to printed circuit boards for soldering, true soldering strips and electronic soldering iron with adjustable temperature prove useful. Excessive heat can damage the components. Faulty solder points are a known cause of circuit malfunction and short circuits. Unwanted connections, for example caused by splashes during soldering, can sometimes be recognized with the naked eye if you hold the printed circuit board up to the light. Such "bridging" can sometimes be loosened by careful scraping. "Cold solder joints", so those that exhibit no or defective conductivity, can appear dull or frayed. Must be soldered to this. 

Conclusion: This is how you will find the right PCB

Which PCB is the right one for your purpose depends on your projects from: Whether you are looking for standardized PCBs with an integrated circuit or plug-in PCBs for experiments, we recommend specific designs. With us you will find insert PCBs and PCBs for soldering in many sizes and grid dimensions. We also offer you an extensive range of accessories for hobby and professional applications.