Artistic PCB Design and Fabrication

Explore the intricate process of designing and fabricating artistic and mechanically complex printed circuit boards (PCBs) in this 37-minute conference talk. Learn how to transform a simple doodle into a manufactured PCB that serves as both an electrical component and a piece of art. Discover a comprehensive workflow that combines electrical engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), and artistic vision to create unique PCBs with internal holes, complex shapes, and precise patterns. Gain insights into overcoming common manufacturing challenges, such as V-cuts on non-rectangular PCBs, keepout zones on internal edge-cuts, and gerber file generation errors. Follow along as the speaker details each step of the process, from initial sketching to final manufacturing, and learn how to use various software tools like KiCad, Fusion 360, and COMSOL to bring your artistic PCB designs to life.

Syllabus

Intro
BACKGROUND: I MAKE WEIRD PCBS SOMETIMES THEY ARE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL
SOMETIMES THEY ARE 3D ART
INTRODUCTION: WORKFLOW
STEP O: DESIGN RULES: INTERNAL HOLES
STEP O: DESIGN RULES: V-CUTS
STEP O: DESIGN RULES: MOUSE BITES
STEP O: DESIGN RULES: EDGES AND WIDTHS
STEP O: DESIGN RULES: MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STEP O: DESIGN RULES: TOLERANCES
WHAT IS MY WORKFLOW
SKETCH THE PCB SHAPE
MAKE A SCHEMATIC
ASSIGN COMPONENTS
MAKE OR ASSIGN FOOTPRINTS
BUILD A CAD MODEL
FOR EXTRA PRECISION, MODEL THE COMPONENTS
PLACE COMPONENTS
STEP 8: ROUTE CONNECTIONS
STEP 6: CONVERT CAD TO EDGE CUTS