Homebrew PCBs

This is probably science fiction right now but could be possible soon.
Picture a 3D printer able to switch between two materials. One is an
insulator and the other a conductor. Combine this printer with a pick and
place machine for SMT. Then add a lot of new software. The result would be a
machine that could print and populate a 3D circuit volume.

This is not a new idea. IBM, back in the '60s IIRC, was making circuit cubes
using alumina substrate. The alumina is a good thermal conductor and a good
electrical insulator. As you might expect, they got high circuit density and
short path lengths.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Mark Lerman
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2013 5:49 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] convert inkjet printer into wax printer

Mark,

After looking at my machine a bit and getting some negative feedback from
the Ultimaker Forum, I suspect you are right. It seems unlikely that the
plastic extruder will do well for this application. One guy put a UV laser
on his and plotted on a sensitized pcb, but if you are going to do that, you
might as well just use a light box and be done with it.

I did try and put some plastic on copperclad. It didn't stick when cold, but
I suspect it would when hot. However, the first layers on 3D printing are
notoriously inconsistent, and I doubt you could make the process work
reliably. Perhaps using wax or glue from a glue gun would work better.

Mark