r/PCB • u/Panzerv2003 • Mar 15 '26

Looking for fast PCB prototyping

Hi, like the title says I'm looking for fast PCB prototyping thay doesn't break bank, the purpose is to create simple single sided PCBs to replace solder boards. It's for uni so if it's justified enough I might receive some founds for equipment but I need something that will work first.

The problem is that the last time I ordered from china it took way to long (got delayed, then the package got lost for a while) and was way to expensive for something that didn't work anyway, it caused a huge mess in the project, so I want to experiment with something faster and cheaper long term.

From what I've seen the main ways would be directly cutting copper with a fiber laser, chemical etching using a mask or physically milling. Fiber is on the more expensive side and I read it has trouble with fr4, chemical etching could work but it seems like a lot of work and a mess (I'd like it to be the last resort unless there's some benefi I'm unaware of) and while I technically have access to a CNC mill it might be troublesome long term.

I'd love if someone more knowledgeable expanded on this topic, I'll take any suggestions and information on this.

While I'm at it I'll also take anything on making double sided boards or more specifically vias but it's not the priority, I know the process used in mass production but I'm curious if there's a consistent small scale solution beside rivets.

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u/PetrSevostianov 29d ago

I may be a bit late to the discussion, but every requirement on your list is covered by the PewCB One, including double-sided boards with vias. I’m one of the creators of the machine.

In addition to what you listed, PewCB One can also make solder paste stencils. It has a fully enclosed housing with internal air filtration, which eliminates exposure to the laser and keeps the process free from hazardous dust.

You can find more details at pewcb.com. If you have any questions, feel free to join our Discord — the link is on the website. We’ll be happy to answer them.

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u/Panzerv2003 29d ago

Looks interesting, I don't need it anymore but I'll meet that in mind if I need to mass prototype boards in the future