An alternative version to make PCBs at home using a 3D printer instead of laser or inkjet paper printer
Important
I'll also make a KiCAD plugin for easier export and preferably skip the step where the use of a CAD software is necessary(makes things complicated and annoying)
Caution
This repo isn't a step-by-step tutorial for PCB making from scratch (might change).
Warning
This method isn't perfect, and it's pretty much under work, there's a lot to improve and probably it'll never be a perfect method
This open-source method describes a fast, reliable, and reusable way to create UV exposure masks for PCB fabrication using a 3D printer and dual-filament technique. Developed through trial and error, this approach replaces the traditional printed transparencies or toner transfers with a clean 10-minute print.
Traditional methods for making UV masks (inkjet/laser transparencies, toner transfer) are:
- Unreliable (small holes where ink is supposed to be) or blurry unless high DPI
- A pain to handle with repeated use
This technique solves that by using black and translucent PLA in one fused part to generate transparent mask for traces and opaque background for cutouts for UV light to pass through and activate the photosensitive layer.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 3D Printer | With Optional AMS/multi-material capability (e.g., Bambu X1C, A1 with AMS, Prusa MMU) |
| Filament | Black PLA + Translucent / White PLA or any other filament which is more UV resistant |
| Nozzle | 0.2mm (recommended) but 0.4mm can work too |
| Layer Height | 0.06mm - 0.1mm |
| PCB Material | Pre-sensitized UV board or Dry photosensitive sheet |
| UV Light Source | 365–405nm recommended |
| Etching Setup | Ferric chloride, sodium persulfate, etc. |
| Flat Print Bed | No textured surface for better definition altough it is possible with textured bed as well |
- Use translucent/white PLA for empty parts and black PLA for the light-pass areas where copper will be present.
- Slicer must respect per-layer material changes, set via modifier meshes or image extrusion tools for convinience use the .3mf file.
- Mask files are exported as STL from KiCAD or STEP file, or drawn directly in CAD.
- Make sure mask surface faces downward, flat on the bed, which means no need for mirroring.
- Place printed mask directly on copper board (with photosensitve layer already applied).
- Weigh down with a clear acrylic sheet or glass piece for tight contact.
- Typical UV exposure: 1–5 minutes depending on light strength.
- Etch normally. Resulting traces should be clean and well-defined.
Check images for microscope photos and versions:
| Version | Improvements |
|---|---|
| v1 | 0.4mm nozzle, black PLA, textured bed – blurry, failed exposure |
| v2 | 0.2mm nozzle, textured bed – improved edges, sharper mask |
| v3 | Dual-filament with translucent PLA and black PLA – reliable, fast, reusable |
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Blurry edges | Use smaller nozzle (0.2mm) and fine layer height |
| Overexposure | Reduce UV time or increase opacity of black PLA (increase layer height) |
| Mask curls | Ensure flat bed and solid adhesion |
| Light bleeding | Use dark filament and flat bed or more weight |
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| 3D Printer | Bambu Lab A1 Mini |
| Nozzle Size | 0.2 mm |
| Print Bed | Bambu Cool Plate SuperTack |
| Black Filament | Creality Black PLA |
| Translucent Filament | Elegoo Translucent PLA |
| PCB Material | Dry Photosensitive Sheet |
| Etchant | Ferric Chloride |
| Neutralizer | Sodium Carbonate |
| UV Light Source | 365 nm LED Strips (8.64 W/m) |
| Post-processing Tool | Laminator |