PCBs & Prototype Boards
24 products
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) and prototyping boards turn your temporary solderless builds into permanent, reliable circuits. In this category you will find copper-clad FR4 and phenolic resin boards, perfboards and stripboards in various sizes, UV-sensitive pre-coated photosensitive boards for home etching, and materials suitable for toner transfer methods. Each board type offers distinct advantages depending on circuit complexity and your fabrication workflow.
Choosing the Right Prototype Board
Key selection factors include: Base material (FR4 for high temperature and mechanical strength, phenolic resin for cost-sensitive projects), copper weight (1 oz/ft² is standard; 2 oz handles higher currents), hole spacing and diameter (standard 2.54 mm pitch fits most DIP ICs), and solder mask / silkscreen (especially on finished PCBs). Here are the main types:
- Perfboard (Pad-per-hole): 2.54 mm hole grid with individual copper pads; single‑ or double‑sided; reduces short‑circuit risks.
- Stripboard (Veroboard): Parallel copper tracks simplify bus wiring; ideal for IC‑based designs.
- Copper-clad board: Blank copper laminate for custom PCB fabrication via toner transfer, UV exposure, or milling; available in single‑ and double‑sided options.
DIY PCB Fabrication Tips
For toner transfer, use glossy paper and maintain consistent heat and pressure with an iron or laminator. With UV exposure, correct timing is crucial – over‑exposure can break fine traces. Always degrease and oxide‑clean the copper surface before applying your pattern; a fine scouring pad and detergent water work well. Etching requires appropriate ferric chloride or ammonium persulfate, and proper ventilation.
