Presensitized board, also known as photoresist board, is a type of printed circuit board (PCB) that has a light-sensitive coating on its surface. This coating allows for precise and accurate transfer of a circuit design onto the board, resulting in a high-quality PCB. Presensitized board is commonly used in electronics manufacturing, particularly for small-scale production runs and prototyping.
One of the key benefits of using presensitized board is its ease of use. The process of transferring a circuit design onto the board is relatively simple and can be done using a standard laser printer and a UV light source. This makes it an accessible option for hobbyists and small businesses who may not have access to more complex and expensive PCB manufacturing equipment.
Another advantage of presensitized board is its versatility. It can be used to create a wide range of circuit designs, from simple single-layer boards to more complex multi-layer boards. Additionally, presensitized board can be used with a variety of different materials, including copper, aluminum, and even glass. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for a range of applications, from consumer electronics to aerospace and defense.
What is a Presensitized Board?
Definition
A presensitized board, also known as a printed circuit board (PCB), is a board made of a non-conductive material, such as fiberglass or plastic, that has a thin layer of conductive material, such as copper, on its surface. The copper layer is etched away to create a pattern of conductive pathways that connect electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, and transistors. The pattern is created by exposing the copper layer to light through a mask that blocks certain areas, then removing the unexposed areas with a chemical solution.
Applications
Presensitized boards are commonly used in the electronics industry to create complex electronic circuits. They are used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive electronics, aerospace and defense, medical devices, and industrial equipment. Presensitized boards have many advantages over other types of circuit boards, including:
- Cost-effectiveness: Presensitized boards are less expensive than other types of circuit boards, such as wire-wrapped boards or point-to-point boards.
- Reliability: Presensitized boards are more reliable than other types of circuit boards because they have fewer connections, which reduces the risk of failure.
- Compactness: Presensitized boards are more compact than other types of circuit boards because they can be designed with smaller components and more complex circuits.
- Customizability: Presensitized boards can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular application, which makes them ideal for prototyping and small-scale production.
In conclusion, presensitized boards are an essential component of modern electronics, providing a cost-effective, reliable, compact, and customizable solution for creating complex electronic circuits.
Types of Presensitized Boards
Presensitized boards are classified into three main types: single-sided board, double-sided board, and multilayer board.
Single-sided Board
Single-sided boards are the simplest and most commonly used type of presensitized board. They have a copper layer on one side and a non-conductive layer on the other. The copper layer is coated with a photosensitive material, which is then exposed to UV light through a photomask to create the desired pattern. The exposed areas are then etched away, leaving behind the desired circuit.
Single-sided boards are typically used for simple circuits, such as those found in calculators, radios, and other electronic devices.
Double-sided Board
Double-sided boards have copper layers on both sides, with a non-conductive layer in between. They are used for more complex circuits that require more components and connections than single-sided boards. The process of creating a double-sided board is similar to that of a single-sided board, with the added step of aligning and exposing both sides of the board.
Double-sided boards are used in applications such as power supplies, amplifiers, and industrial control systems.
Multilayer Board
Multilayer boards have multiple layers of copper and non-conductive material, with each layer connected by vias (small holes drilled through the board). They are used for even more complex circuits that require a large number of components and connections.
The process of creating a multilayer board is more complex than that of a single or double-sided board, involving multiple exposure and etching steps. Multilayer boards are used in applications such as high-end computers, telecommunications equipment, and aerospace technology.
In summary, presensitized boards come in different types, each with its specific applications. Single-sided boards are used for simple circuits, double-sided boards for more complex circuits, and multilayer boards for even more complex circuits.
Manufacturing Process
Designing the Circuit
Presensitized board manufacturing begins with designing the circuit on a computer-aided design (CAD) software. The design is then printed onto a transparency film using a laser printer. The transparency film is then placed onto the presensitized board.
Cleaning the Board
The board is cleaned using a mild abrasive cleaner to remove any dirt or grease. It is then rinsed with water and dried.
Applying the Photoresist
The board is coated with a photosensitive layer called photoresist. The photoresist is applied using a laminator or a spray gun. The board is then left to dry in a dark room.
Exposure and Development
The transparency film with the circuit design is placed onto the board. The board is then exposed to ultraviolet light for a specific time period. The light hardens the photoresist on the board, except for where the circuit design is.
The board is then developed in a solution that removes the unhardened photoresist, leaving behind the circuit design.
Etching the Board
The board is then etched in a solution that dissolves the copper that is not protected by the photoresist. The board is then rinsed with water and dried.
Presensitized board manufacturing is a precise and repeatable process that produces high-quality printed circuit boards.
Advantages of Presensitized Boards
Cost-effective
Presensitized boards are an ideal choice for those who are looking for a cost-effective way to produce high-quality PCBs. The cost of presensitized boards is much lower than that of traditional PCBs, which require expensive equipment and materials. Moreover, presensitized boards can be easily produced in large quantities, which makes them an ideal choice for industrial-scale production.
Easy to Use
Presensitized boards are very easy to use and require minimal training to get started. They come with a pre-applied layer of photosensitive material, which eliminates the need for messy and time-consuming processes such as applying photoresist manually. Presensitized boards can be easily exposed to UV light using a simple exposure unit, and the exposed boards can be developed using a standard developer solution.
Time-saving
Presensitized boards are a time-saving solution for those who need to produce PCBs quickly and efficiently. The pre-applied photosensitive layer eliminates the need for time-consuming manual processes, such as applying photoresist and exposing the board using a film. Moreover, presensitized boards can be easily produced in large quantities, which makes them an ideal choice for industrial-scale production.
In summary, presensitized boards are a cost-effective, easy-to-use, and time-saving solution for those who need to produce high-quality PCBs quickly and efficiently. They are an ideal choice for industrial-scale production and can be easily produced in large quantities.
Disadvantages of Presensitized Boards
Limited Customization
One of the main disadvantages of using presensitized boards is the limited customization options available. Presensitized boards come with a pre-applied layer of photosensitive material that is used to create the circuit pattern. This means that the circuit pattern is already predetermined, and any changes or modifications to the pattern are difficult to make.
Modifying the circuit pattern requires removing the photosensitive material from the board, which can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Additionally, the removal of the photosensitive material can damage the board, resulting in a lower quality circuit.
Environmental Concerns
Another disadvantage of using presensitized boards is the potential environmental impact. Presensitized boards require the use of hazardous chemicals, including developer and etchant, which can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
The chemicals used in the development process can also be harmful to human health if not handled properly. Exposure to these chemicals can result in skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
Furthermore, the disposal of these chemicals can be difficult and costly. Improper disposal can lead to contamination of soil and water, which can have long-term environmental consequences.
In summary, while presensitized boards offer a convenient and relatively easy way to create printed circuit boards, they have some significant drawbacks. These include limited customization options and potential environmental concerns. It’s important to carefully consider these factors before deciding whether presensitized boards are the right choice for your project.
Conclusion
Presensitized boards are a useful tool in the electronics industry. They allow for the creation of high-quality PCBs without the need for expensive equipment or specialized skills. With the right equipment and knowledge, anyone can create a professional-grade PCB using a presensitized board.
One of the main benefits of presensitized boards is their consistency. Because the board is already coated with a light-sensitive material, the exposure time and development process are standardized. This means that the resulting PCBs are more uniform and reliable than those created using other methods.
Another advantage of presensitized boards is their versatility. They can be used to create a wide variety of PCBs, from simple one-layer designs to complex multilayer boards. This makes them a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals alike.
However, it’s important to note that presensitized boards do have some limitations. They are not suitable for high-frequency applications, as the board’s coating can interfere with signal transmission. Additionally, they are not as durable as other types of PCBs, so they may not be suitable for use in harsh environments.
Overall, presensitized boards are a valuable tool for anyone looking to create high-quality PCBs. While they may not be suitable for every application, they offer a cost-effective and reliable solution for many electronics projects.
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