The goal of this project is to develop a PCB prototyping machine that allows users to quickly and affordably manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) at home. This will combat the current-day reliance on slow and expensive overseas manufacturing, oftentimes requiring a high minimum order cost. Our machine will provide consumers with cost-effective and quick access to high-quality PCBs.
Our target audience includes hobbyists, students, engineers, and small-scale manufacturers who require a quick way to manufacture and prototype PCBs. Currently, most people rely on external PCB fabrication services that are located overseas, which involve long lead/shipping times and minimum order requirements resulting in high costs for small orders. By introducing an accessible and cost-effective PCB prototyping machine, we aim to enhance the electronics development process for users everywhere.
We plan to base this machine on an IDEX style 3D printer that has 2 toolheads. In order to quickly produce PCBs we plan on using 3D printing technology with 2 different materials. A high temperature plastic (such as polycarbonate or nylon) to be the base of the PCB that will withstand the heat from soldering, and a conductive filament such as Markforged's copper filament (https://shop.markforged.com/shop/s/product/detail/01t1M00000N60u1QAB) for the traces. Due to the small nature of PCBs, we will be able to make this a small desktop machine and not have to worry about the height.
Creation of a small-scale printer capable of printing and baking custom single and double-layer PCBs
The printer should be able to be setup by someone in their own home
User-friendly software to go along with it for uploading and making the circuit boards
Reduction in the time and cost to create PCBs on a small-batch scale
The current cost of building this system is currently unknown and requires more research. However, a preliminary estimate suggests it may cost around $2,500–$3,000
Aluminum Extrusion Frame ($200)
Internal Electronics & Software ($300)
Printing Nozzles ($500)
Kinematics System ($300)
Labor ($1500+ at $35/hour)