Plotting a pcb layout with pen and ink ??

[MITSUKO]

eagle printing hp7475

Truth or myth , I dont know .

I have heard a lot about using a pen plotter
to plot the layout directly on the copper and then
etch it .

Can anybody WHO HAS ACTUALLY DONE THIS
confirm it . Like I sayd ; there are rumours enough .
This is becoming one of those city myth's .

If it's true , I'd like to know wich pen and ink was used

Thx

Mitsuko

 

[DrShoe]

Re: Plotting a pcb layout

It is the method I use. Tools: Eagle pcb because it has hpgl output. Plotter HP7475 slightly modificated to fit the pen. Pen is a Steadtler Lumocolor permanent 313.
Insert in the hpgl code VS1; for very low plotting speed.

See **broken link removed**
Dubblesided: difficult.

 

[MITSUKO]

Re: Plotting a pcb layout

So it is true .
Hartelijk dank voor je reactie

I'm gonna buy me a pen tomorrow
and I'm gonna try this out .

I usually use the photographic method
but for small project's it sure is worth it .

Mitsuko

 

[ME]

How small tracks can you make with this method? Can you use it for SMD ICs?


The name of the pen is spelled Staedtler and not Steadtler, in case you are searching the web for this pin.

Here's a Staedtler Lumocolor OHP Pen 0.4mm Superfine Permanent Black Code 313-9
www.osy-online.co.uk/iol/Productoptions.asp?PartID=109144&cat=full
**broken link removed**

http://www.staedtler.com/

 

[DrShoe]

Re: Plotting a pcb layout

Smd is possible. This pcb is made with the plotter: **broken link removed**
ande here: **broken link removed**

The mayor problem is smd routing with only one side. That's were the blue wires are for.

 

[phonedrop]

Re: Plotting a pcb layout

A long time ago I would use a HP pen plotter as a backup device if our Gerber photo plotter was down. I would plot at 2:1 scale with ink pens on mylar. I would add a reference line along the long side of the pcb image and add a tolerence of +-.005 inch. I would then take it to a technical photo-reproduction house which would reduce the image onto films. The films along with a paper punch drill file was sent to the manufacturer with good results. but this was in the days of the .100 dip with a single line between.

PD