A low-cost PCB fabrication process

This paper investigates the resolution of a low-cost printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication process. A set of frequently used footprints is fabricated on a PCB and examined under a digital microscope. The results indicate that using the process described in this paper, a thin wire with a 0.38 mm (14.96 mils) width can be fabricated. The process described in this paper is useful for educators who wish to fabricate a fine structure on a PCB, but do not have access to a milling machine. It is also be useful for researchers who wish to quickly build an inexpensive prototype before sending out the final design to a commercial venue.