BEHIND THE SCENES: Develop, stretch and etch

In this video, we walk you through key stages of the PCB fabrication process: develop, stretch, and etch. Watch as raw materials transform into intricate, functional printed circuit boards through these critical steps.

  1. Develop: The photoresist-coated copper surface is exposed to UV light, solidifying the areas to be protected. The developer solution then washes away the unexposed areas, revealing the copper for further processing.
  2. Stretch: At this stage, the PCB panel undergoes careful handling to ensure that the image pattern aligns accurately for precise circuitry formation.
  3. Etch: In the etching process, the exposed copper is chemically removed, leaving behind only the necessary traces and pads as defined by the photoresist pattern.

By the end of the video, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how these essential steps shape the fine details of a PCB, ensuring a reliable and efficient design.