So I bought the DecalProFx system to do pedal finishes and thought I would give their PCB Fab-in-a Box a shot too. In for a penny, in for a pound, right?
Their product is PCB stock that is .031 thick with 1/2oz copper. So I picked up some .031 single side 1oz on eBay. I received it, but man, is it thin.
Does anyone have any experience working with such thin PCB? Good or bad?
Or does anyone have experience with the Fab-in-a Box laminator and can it handle thicker boards than they say?
Thanks,
George
Pretty sure I got stuff that thin, if not maybe even .024. I like it, mainly because it has less copper and etches faster and is much easier to drill. I've only broken 1 drill bit ever on the stuff, I'd imagine the .064 is a lot tougher on bits. I actually got the .064 to begin with and decided it was just too difficult to drill and cut up so I switched.
Less copper = less heat dissipation, so it might be more prone to trace lifting while soldering, but as long as you solder quickly and efficiently you should be fine.
That's what I use, and I've had no issues except sometimes when desoldering a mistake.
I got some thin CC the other day and I don't like it. Much rather prefer thick, sturdy PCB to bendable (just seems like it's guaranteed a short lifetime)
Never again for me.
Spargo -> The oz rating (amount of copper per unit area) determines the etching time-thickness of board does not necessarily imply similarly scaled copper deposit. For example, I have some thin 2oz PCB, takes ages to etch.
Right, but my thin boards have less copper than my thick boards.
I've burned mine to near death while desoldering things and have never had a problem with the copper lifting.
Quote from: JKowalski on March 31, 2011, 01:42:24 PM
I got some thin CC the other day and I don't like it. Much rather prefer thick, sturdy PCB to bendable (just seems like it's guaranteed a short lifetime)
OTOH (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oak_and_the_Reed)...
Quote from: Taylor on March 31, 2011, 10:23:18 PM
Quote from: JKowalski on March 31, 2011, 01:42:24 PM
I got some thin CC the other day and I don't like it. Much rather prefer thick, sturdy PCB to bendable (just seems like it's guaranteed a short lifetime)
OTOH (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oak_and_the_Reed)...
Absolutely true for many things in life. In particular women and work. The question is: is a solder joint on an .031 PCB an Oak or a Reed?
I'll try the .031 for some smaller boards, but I also ordered some .047 to see if the laminator will spit or swallow. The .031 could be cool for faceplates too.....
Quote from: chi_boy on March 31, 2011, 10:34:02 PMThe question is: is a solder joint on an .031 PCB an Oak or a Reed?
Exactly. :) I'd be interested to know if some testing has been done. Common wisdom would agree with Chris's conclusion, I'm just curious about it.