14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printing technology made a few passable attempts at creating electronic devices in the past, but mostly that sector hasn't shown much life so far.
A pair of brothers from Madrid want to do their part to change that. And since they've been entrenched in electronics, robotics, mechatronics, design and software for some time, they are well positioned to get things moving in the right direction.
So, without further ado, behold the DiyouPCB open-source printed circuit board 3D printer. Powered by an Atmel-based Arduino Uno processor, otherwise called ATmega328, the printer was, itself, built through 3D printing.
This printer is the result of a development process that started way back in February 2013 and concluded with a set of instructions that other people can follow themselves if they wish. DIY does mean do-it-yourself, after all.
The printer uses a Blu-Ray optical pickup (PHR-803T) and various UV laser components to sensitize Dry-Film, a polyester film coated with a polymer sensitive to ultraviolet light.
When heated, the film adhered to a PCB and allows circuits to be drawn via any photolithography method.
The printing process allows for PCBs to be made as large as 210 x 170 mm / 8.26 x 6.69 inches and at a speed of 600 mm per minute. Some bugs still need to be sorted out, but that's not different from every other device else made by man.
