Shenzhen Ready

Classics

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Online Showcases of PCBs

Cardboardelectrnics Collection of PCB projects curated by D. Kera and her "academic" article.

Other sources and methods

https://wiki.hope.net/index.php?title=Artistic_PCB_Design_for_Terrified_Beginners_workshop

http://41j.com/blog/2016/09/weird-pcb-layouts-with-kicad/

https://github.com/mtl/svg2mod

How to prepare the files

Basics

Go crazy and draw, paint, design your boards as you wish!

some inspriations here: http://dusjagr.hotglue.me/

See some of our classics: File:MadLab_circuit_classics.pdf

Inkscape preparations

... still needs to be updated!

Example from ucok's Biosynth: http://lifepatch.org/Biosynth

The cut-milled border should be 2mm, some pcb manufacturers then just use a 2mm tool. this will be the cheapest, but reduced resolution in the sharp corners.

Important files and formats to export

• Export as bitmap the following layers: Copper, StopMask, SilkScreen
• 600 or 1200 dpi has been shown to give good enough quality
• Export the cut-out layer individually (copy into new file) as .dxf
• (the drill layer is best made in KiCAD)

Special features for the mixtape

• in GIMP you can use the color selection tool, Threshold 100 was good for yellow.
• make sure you add white backgroun

Finalizing in KiCAD

First time KiCAD users

• install and start KiCAD
• Make a new project and define file path
• Make a custom personal footprint library in KiCAD for your crazy footprints and logos

Import using Logo-Importer

• Be careful white means it's there
• double check negative/positive (no transparency!!)
• click export
• navigate into your personal library and name it understandibly
• find generated using your file browser .kicad_mod in your personal library
• Find/Replace with text editor to change to your wanted layer (F.Cu, F.Mask...)

Export all gerber files

check them here: http://viewer.tracespace.io/

Send for manufacturing

• Make extra notes to the manufacturer to use the file as is, or clarify all the weird shapes and layers.

Urs' favorite: http://www.pcbway.com/

• limited colors for silk screen.
• around 1$ for our typical size of pcb.
• delivery usually around 10-15 days, delivery and customs can add 20-40 $