Electronics question - PCB repair

MassiveJim · 2 Jun 2017 at 16:47

I wasn't sure what forum this should go in, so I'll try here first.

Where (in the UK), can you get supplier for repairing PCBs ?

things like
PCB resin adhesive
pre-cut copper tracks/pads etc

I am struggling a little, there aren't even many US sites coming up with my google-fu

quad · 2 Jun 2017 at 16:58

You could try R S components.

Tuppy_Glossop · 2 Jun 2017 at 16:59

http://uk.farnell.com/

Rroff · 2 Jun 2017 at 17:15

I use Farnell mostly and sometimes mouser due to stocking some stuff other UK retailers don't (ship from the US which is a little costly but they are usually really quick).

Some pre-cut copper stuff is kind of specialised and difficult to source though.

robj20 · 3 Jun 2017 at 10:17

At work we use

Farnell
Mouser
Digikey
Astute Electronics

MassiveJim · 3 Jun 2017 at 15:58

Thanks all, I will take a look at the above

Rroff · 3 Jun 2017 at 16:03

I'm not expert - only dabble as a hobby - but I think you are going to find copper tracks and pads quite difficult to source these days - most places would just bin the original PCB and replace the whole thing completely if it was beyond a simple couple of re-soldering components.

Bear · 3 Jun 2017 at 17:47

Rroff said:
I'm not expert - only dabble as a hobby - but I think you are going to find copper tracks and pads quite difficult to source these days - most places would just bin the original PCB and replace the whole thing completely if it was beyond a simple couple of re-soldering components.

Vero board / bread board is still easy to source. I'm guessing that's what you meant by copper tracks and pads and not etching your own boards

Rroff · 3 Jun 2017 at 17:50

From the wording of pre-cut tracks and resin I'm assuming he is talking about gluing tracks onto damaged boards to route around problems, etc. and reconnect or add components. Maybe I'm assuming wrong.

Terminal_Boy · 3 Jun 2017 at 17:53

Track repair wire is the way to go for simple repairs. Hopefully, the OP hasn't damaged hasn't any pads or through-plated holes.

Rroff · 3 Jun 2017 at 17:57

Terminal_Boy said:
Track repair wire is the way to go for simple repairs. Hopefully, the OP hasn't damaged hasn't any pads or through-plated holes.

Oh interestingly some specialists do sell "circuit track kit" for repairs though it looks like its mostly costly.

Just a random google hit: http://www.circuitmedic.com/products/201-3130.shtml also sell the track ribbon separately.

Terminal_Boy · 3 Jun 2017 at 18:01

Rroff said:
Oh interestingly some specialists do sell "circuit track kit" for repairs though it looks like its mostly costly.

Just a random google hit: http://www.circuitmedic.com/products/201-3130.shtml

Wow, I didn't know such a thing existed. Could have used this 20 years ago when I fixed things for a living.

Rroff · 3 Jun 2017 at 18:03

I only do it casually but I just use a bit of 22 gauge single core hookup cable or snip a lead off a through hole component if I'm using them and (probably a bad thing to do) use a tiny dab of super glue if its fiddly to hold in place to solder heh when doing repairs like that.

robj20 · 4 Jun 2017 at 09:36

Yes for track repair we use kynar wire, it's not cost effective to do anything more. We don't use super glue either, silicone only to keep the wire in place.
All covered in IPC 610 class 3 we work to.

JAMAL · 4 Jun 2017 at 12:24

Have you got any pics of the type of thing you are trying to repair?

I have about 23 years experience in PCB manufacture and assembly

MassiveJim · 4 Jun 2017 at 13:13

This guy talks quite fast and is a little quiet but his video is extremely thorough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx50YtEC2S8

I looked on farnell but there range is massive so I wasn't able to find what I wanted.
If pre-cut copper pads/tracks etc are so specialist, I presume you can buy the copper like in the video above that you can cut yourself.
and also buy lengths of it like in this video below that you can just cut to length yourself like normal wire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozH2F3AX8BY

I don't have a picture of the damage on this particular job I was enquiring about, it was more for future purposes.