Computer controlled PCB etching and drilling system using an XYZ plotter

• Main Authors: Choa, Jonathan Kelvin, Foo, Jacky Ka Chun, Restar, Winston, Uy, Emerson
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1993
• Subjects: Computer graphics; Drilling and boring machinery > Drawings; XY plotters; Interface circuits; Digital control systems; Electronic digital computers > Programming; Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/6607
• Institution: De La Salle University

The general problem of using chemical etching when making printed circuit boards is that it usually entails the manual drawing of the circuit layout in the PCB which results to a varied and non-uniform sketch. In addition, safety precautions in handling the chemical must be observed all throughout the processes. If procedural errors arise, complications may result leading to numerous problems on the circuit and other components. In anticipation of the aforementioned problems, the group decided to come up with an alternative system that can automate the etching and drilling processes. A process that we refer to as dry etching is implemented by the system. This etching process involves the mechanical isolation of several circuit layouts from each other by using a drill bit to scrape off the boundaries of the layout. The etching and drilling processes is numerically controlled by a computer through an interface to the mechanical hardware, mainly composed of an X-Y plotter table and a Z-axis drill stand.