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by jeff_marshall 3478 days ago
Out of curiosity, how are you planning on handling plating for vias and through-holes?

The desire to stop handling chemicals (I have no convenient means of proper disposal) has got me using the on-line prototype services for anything multi-layer (though I've thought about using my CNC mill for some simple single layer stuff).
1 comments
Keyframe 3478 days ago
That's the thing. I have to build several prototypes first in order to see which will be less hassle. Initial idea was to have the machine handle chemicals and a contained disposal system. On the other hand I could do it with hollow 'jackets' (that's how we call it, grommet is probably the proper name).

I have to balance two ideas into a concept first and then prototype. Those two primary ideas are:

1) have end-user buy as basic things as possible in order to produce PCBs (not rely on my chain of supply / custom shit). This is in order for machine to be as usable as possible, no matter where you live and to keep costs for you down as possible.

2) Have the workflow as hassle-free as possible with the best possible result.

Sometimes, those two ideas are clashing. Ultimately, it would be a machine built out of commonly available parts. For most parts, at least. And, I would provide pre-built machines as convenience. BOM for protos is already at around 7k-10k Euros, and it will take some time to build and refine on what I'll see from protos. Ultimately, I want a sub 2k Euros machine ready, out of the box, experience for end user. Maybe even less if I opt for smaller FR4 boards. From everything I've pooled so far together, on paper, it's doable. I just need to find a bit of time. I already set some time and cash after May next year just for this (after I finish a TV series I'm working on - my day to day job).

In my opinion, I think an affordable desktop PCB factory could open a lot of possibilities for people. If you had a machine and only things you would need to buy are FR4 boards and some commonly available and cheap chemicals and have the machine 'print out' a pcb for you, maybe even with parts placed, and have the exhaust for fumes and disposing system safe and easy and cheap... We need this. I need this.

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