PCB 'Hobby' Equipment
Our standard range of PCB UV units and PCB Processing Tanks are detailed elsewhere on this web site. Below are our first products designed and manufactured specifically for the hobby or amateur electronics enthusiast. Both the UV unit and the Bubble Etch Tank are designed to produce high quality results each and every time. We would not consider our other equipment prohibitively high in cost but by using different materials and manufacturing methods these new items are even more affordable to the home user.
PCB Hobby UV
This plastic cased unit is the most cost effective UV unit offered. The two 8W UV tubes are in the base which also houses a reflector for constant even exposures. The ends of the UV tubes do not perform as well as the central area. These parts of the tubes are therefore masked off and not used to illuminate the exposure area. The Hobby UV is supplied with a separate pressure pad which is placed on top of the artwork and PCB substrate. When the lid is closed and fastened with the integral catches sufficient pressure is applied to provide a constant even contact between the artwork and laminate. This provides a good even exposure without ‘undercutting’.
The Hobby UV is supplied with an illuminated on off switch and a mains cable with 13 amp plug.
| Model | Working Area | UV Output | Dimensions |
| Hobby UV | 229 x 159mm | 2 x 8W (2.5mW/cm2) | 395 x 185 x 85mm |
Hobby Etch Tank
The Hobby Etch can process PCB laminates up to 320mm x 260mm. The machine is formed in two parts, the high density polypropylene inside tank being injection moulded as a single piece. This method of construction has proved to be far more efficient than the old method of welding together several vacuum formed parts which by design gives inherent danger of leaks from joins. This one piece design is an important safety feature which should be considered when choosing PCB tanks.
This inside tank has an integral top surround, which secures over the second of the two parts, an outer made from Polypropylene using our CNC machine. A splash proof lid with full length board holder mesh covers a working area of 5 litre capacity. The board holders feature yellow side clips which can be secured to close the sides of the mesh when very small boards are being processed. For added safety the inside tank is bolted to the outer case at the bottom of the unit. This must be removed before access to electrical components.
It has a pump fitted which forces air through two bubble bars to provide efficient and even etching. An illuminated switch turns the pump off and on. The tank is unheated but will etch normal 1oz (35 micron) copper laminate in 12 – 14 minutes using Ferric Chloride solution.
The tank is supplied with a syphon and mains lead with moulded 13amp plug.
Width 130mm, Depth 470mm, Height 325mm.
