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Making a PCB, using solder mask as etch resist. (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 7 months ago by Rolive@discuss.tchncs.de to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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This is an idea that entered my mind. The traditional way is applying some etch resist like toner or dry film, etching away the copper and then adding solder mask before populating the board with components.

Can the solder mask be used as etch resist instead? It feels like skipping an unnecessary step in the process. Why isn´t this more common? This way you won´t need the step of removing etch resist only to replace it with a slightly different compound.

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[–] Rolive@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 7 months ago

That is a good point. I was under the impression that solder mask is mostly for safety and convenience when soldering so it only flows where you want it to.

Creating a mask that works for solder mask as etch resist does require some tweaking with the SVG files. I'll give it a try for a few small boards to see how well it really works.