Sunday 29 September 2019

pcb - Determining the best UV exposure time


I would like to manufacture DIY PCB. I am planning to make a UV box like on this link, then I wonder how I can determine the best UV exposure time?


or if I use the Sun as the UV source, how I can determine the exposure time as the strength of sun light varies over the time?


What happened if the board exposed the UV light longer than it supposed to?




Answer



Probably 3 to 5 mins. You will need to experiment with this time as it depends upon the distance the LEDs are away from the board, type of UV leds used, current etc.


If you over expose UV gets through the mask and you end up with very porous/thin or no tracks. Its pretty obvious as soon as you develop the board.


Using the Sun.


The Sun's intensity will vary considerably so its not really a good 'constant' source like the LEDs.


enter image description here However, the basic method would be to get a coated board and cover it with a thick card (mask) . Every two minutes Use a permanent marker to indicate the edge of the card on the board and then move the card down exposing a fresh 1 cm strip. When the board is completely uncovered you can develop it and see what time the strips were under exposed, correctly exposed and over exposed.


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