Best way to write on pcb - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Moriambar
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 10:00:44 pm
content: Hi,I printed several identical pcbs (standard, via jlcpcb, green). I need to write on them (something like three letters and an hex byte address), so I was thinking what's the best product to write on them that cannot be easily erased (like not easy to rub off)?Any suggestions are welcome.Cheers!

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 10:07:43 pm
content: I'd go with a permanent felt-tip marker. Once dry, they can survive a fair bit of manual handling, but don't let any solvents get near them.

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 10:49:32 pm
content: That. And for washability, cover the mark with polyimide tape.Printed stickers of course are best, but if you don't have a label maker, that'd be kind of a pain.Tim

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:01:40 pm
content: fine-line permanent markers are good, but note that they off with flux cleaner.

author: station240
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:12:39 pm
content: If you know you need to write on a PCB, print a blank white area on the silk screen.Black on PCB green doesn't show that well.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:17:35 pm
content: a scribe

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:24:36 pm
content: QuoteI've done this on boards where it is mostly awesome. But even on the same batch/order, some of the boards come out where the silkscreen repels the permanent marker. The letting comes out weird, and it wipes off real easy, leaving no trace of your writing. I think it's worth it, esp where handling is unlikely to touch the marking. But I wonder why this happens on only some of the boards. I think I might try just the outline of a box in the future. So you write on the soldermask for better consistency. The box would just draw attention to the marking spot.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:31:13 pm
content: A Dremel or equivalent with a fine point engraving tool.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:35:36 pm
content: Diamond ball works great on IC's and PCB material, yeah.Scribe is good to make notes to self on a tight pitch board where there's no room for larger markings. Visible under magnification, at least.

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 11:51:47 pm
content: I just use small sticky labels, and write on them. A dollar for a bunch of sheets in a dollar store.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 12:13:30 am
content: Stamp pad ink printed on the fiberglass will resist the solvents used for removing flux including acetone and lacquer thinner. We just had fixed stamps to indicate who assembled the board but stamp with adjustable marks could be used.

author: Moriambar
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 07:17:44 am
content: Thanks for all of your suggestions. I'll try what I can and will choose the best option.Cheers