Multicolored PCB - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Chillance
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 01:28:37 am
content: Hi!I was wondering how one would be able to do multicolor PCBs like they did with the RGBDuino UNO V1.1 Duck for example. Like the file attached (or this:https://www.bigtree-tech.com/uploads/051.jpg)PCBWay doesn't support it, but obviously it's possible somehow. Maybe it's a special step, to get it printed and then PCB manufacturer does it's thing?Anyone here knows how it's done? This is for sure the future of PCBs!Thanks!

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 01:42:32 am
content: That's quite amazing. For me, you simply make several color soldermask layers but the problem that I see is that no PCB software I know of really has graphical tools for drawing ducks...It's not hard to make simple graphical output this way but the reason you can't easily find someone to make this is that there are limited soldermask colors, no one keeps them around, and you need to flush the nozzle of the machine twice.Besides, I think what you show here is something else entirely, probably a single-pass color printer that squeezes out paint instead of ink.But you need to ask them, they will tell you. I'd bet you send them a line art or whatever and they know how to build it.I don't know if it's the "future" of PCBs, let's face it, the vast majority of PCBs toil in obscurity. In washing machines and dishwashers and novelty fart machines, etcIf this color process is easy and cheap enough, I can certainly see it as a very popular thing for hobbyists, hackers, and high-value items like dev boards, etc.For sure I'd make a Commodore or Tektronix related PCB with this!

author: retiredfeline
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 01:54:28 am
content: Probably something they are willing to do if you order a high volume, and pay more.

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 02:09:30 am
content: I agree with Alex, looks like some kind of printer.

author: NOON Design
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 02:19:07 am
content: This looks post-printed but there's quite a bit you can do if you're creative with your layers. You have bare pcb, masked pcb, copper with hasl, copper covered with mask and screen print layers to play with. I've seen some amazing artworks done using these layers. Diptrace is pretty good with importing vector artwork.

author: Chillance
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 02:39:05 am
content: My guess is that they essentially just do the bare PCB, then have a special printer to print a colored image, and then its assembly.True, higher volumes I could imagine PCBWay could do it. I guess this is not mainstream enough yet to be reasonable price for common availability.

author: Chillance
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 02:45:00 am
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on April 01, 2021, 01:42:32 amWith colored PCBs I can imagine people get creative where it might not be as obscure anymore.

author: iNpRiX
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 08:57:11 am
content: It looks like some kind of printed colored silk screen. But it looks amazing.

author: ThomasDK
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 09:11:55 am
content: Eurocircuits did that years ago:https://www.eurocircuits.com/blog/ecnews-pcbs-with-picture-punch/

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 10:34:26 am
content: That one was probably done using UV printing - like an inkjet but hardened using UV light on the printhead. Can print on pretty much anything. An option would be to send the completed bare PCBs to a UV printing place.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 10:40:14 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 01, 2021, 10:34:26 amI think the technology is 1:1 the same as those T-shirt printing machines. Digital flat bed printing.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 11:15:31 am
content: AFAIK, you've always been able to specify multiple soldermask layers. It's just, why would you bother ordering it that way? It'll be a full custom run, of course. Aside from somewhat obscure cases of improved insulation, or like, plugged vias (for a hermetic seal??), or vanity,there's very little reason to.Tim

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2021, 02:56:36 pm
content: Quote from: Chillance on April 01, 2021, 01:28:37 amIt’s UV inkjet, like others said. You can even see the banding in the picture. Probably Eurocircuits. Just upload an image for them to print onto the board.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2021, 05:20:50 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on April 01, 2021, 11:15:31 amIf you can see the full-color image on the PCB, you can zap the components with ESD.