Are we removing copper from boards unnecessarily? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Merlysys
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 09:27:44 pm
content: While researching the topic of 'copper removal from PCBs' I read this..."We just want to remove enough copper from the board to create a safe amount of isolation between all our traces and pads, otherwise it will take the CNC machine too long to remove all unused material on the pcb..."http://www.enactiveenvironments.com/enabling/cnc-milling-pcbs/While the above refers to CNC milling away copper it can be applied to chemical etching as well. Even when using the chemical method we can save on material and time by following this simple rule. But may be software such as Kicad and Eagle do this already, or do they?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 09:34:28 pm
content: Copper etched off in a real industrial process is reclaimed.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 09:35:42 pm
content: Quote from: Merlysys on October 08, 2015, 09:27:44 pmSubstantial polygon pours achieve this reduction in copper removed and increased etchant life is the bonus.

author: bitslice
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2015, 09:38:02 pm
content: Using a soft(er) plastic substrate instead of glassfibre would perhaps solve a few problems with this milling process

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 04:03:54 am
content: Quote from: Merlysys on October 08, 2015, 09:27:44 pmTrue. I've seen DIY boards where a minimal amount of area is designated to be etched. It looks like a big ground plane, even when one isn't needed. Now, if you're creating your mask with a laser printer, then of course you have to use more toner to preserve all that copper. I think the board looks good with minimal copper etched away.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 04:04:25 am
content: Quote from: c4757p on October 08, 2015, 09:34:28 pmMakes sense.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 04:13:17 am
content: Ground plane is almost always better. But don't leave it filling randomly or floating, connect it up, stitch it together.Besides E&M performance, it reduces thermal resistance, keeps the board stiff, and reduces warpage (if it's done symmetrically on all layers).Tim

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 04:42:42 am
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on October 09, 2015, 04:13:17 amForm + Function = Win

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2015, 04:43:45 am
content: beside those savings... with the presence of the unecassary ground plane, copper/polygon pour, in case you need to refine or modify the board, adding some components etc, you still have extra copper to cut/mod as a place to where they stand. with the wastefull tracks only board, you need to redo the whole board or add another copper plane on it.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2015, 12:54:53 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on October 09, 2015, 04:43:45 amGood idea. I hadn't thought about that extra bonus.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2015, 04:38:13 pm
content: Etchant life is irellevant. In the industrial etching cycle 100% of the etchant is regenerated. They simply extract the copper . The only waste product is electricity used .

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2015, 03:54:05 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on October 10, 2015, 04:38:13 pmthe more copper being etched, the more electricity is required to recover that, correct?and from hobbiest standpoint.. the more copper being etched, the more echant will go to waste, correct?