This New PCB-making Technique Lets You Turn Almost Any Plastic Surface into a Circuit Board

article about a new process for creating PCBs using a plating solution.

The process, developed by a company called CircuitMaker, involves applying a conductive plating solution to a plastic surface, and selectively etching away the plating to create the desired circuit pattern. The solution is said to work on a range of plastics, including ABS, polycarbonate, and acrylic.

According to CircuitMaker, the process offers several advantages over traditional PCB fabrication methods. First, it allows for more flexibility in the design process, as the plating can be applied to irregular or non-flat surfaces. Second, it can be done using relatively simple equipment, such as a hobbyist-grade laser cutter and an electroplating kit. And third, it can be done quickly and cheaply, with a total cost of under $10 per board.

The video posted by Krasnow demonstrates the process in action, showing him creating a simple LED circuit on a plastic toy using the plating solution. He begins by creating a design in Eagle CAD, then exporting it to a laser cutter to create a template. Next, he applies the conductive plating solution to the plastic surface, using a brush to ensure even coverage. He then places the template over the plating and exposes it to light, causing the solution to harden.

Once the plating has hardened, Krasnow removes the template and wipes away any excess solution. He then places the plastic in an electroplating bath, which selectively dissolves the plating to create the circuit pattern. Finally, he cleans the board and solders the components in place.

While the CircuitMaker process may not replace traditional PCB fabrication techniques for complex or high-density circuits, it could certainly be useful for hobbyists or small-scale manufacturers looking for a simple and inexpensive way to create basic circuits. It also has the potential to open up new applications for PCBs, such as embedding them in non-traditional materials like clothing or toys.

Of course, there are also some drawbacks to the process. The plating solution can be messy and difficult to work with, and it may not be as reliable or durable as a traditional board. Additionally, it may be difficult to achieve precise trace widths or spacing using this method.

Overall, the CircuitMaker process seems like an interesting and potentially useful addition to the PCB fabrication toolkit. It will be interesting to see how it develops and whether it finds a place in the wider electronics community.