Jump to content
We Need Your Help! ×

IGNORED

Curved circuit Boards


TomoHawk

Recommended Posts

I think I will try to build a high-mount brake lamp with LEDs on a printed circuit board, but I want the circuit board to be curved to fit inside the lamp housing, which has a curved, chrome reflector for the bulb that was there before.

Is it possible to bend the epoxy circuit board into a permanent curve? After etching the circuit on the back, I would use the heat gun to warm it until it will bend, then let it cool in that shape, then solder the parts to it, add some aluminum foil to reflectorize, and glue it into the housing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I could be wrong, but I don't think heat will soften epoxy/glass fiber PCB's, because the epoxy has been cross-linked. That doesn't mean you can't use other plastic to do the same thing, just hardwire the LED's. In fact, you might be able to use thin, mirrored acrylic sheet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've seen plenty of flexible of PCB's but never out of fiberglass/epoxy. Nothing wrong with trying, but I don't think it'll take enough of a set unless it was molded like that originally before the epoxy set.

The thread reminds me though... I've got a buddy working on a LED third brake light project. Maybe I should poke him and see how that's coming along.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Phenolitics are thermoset rather than thermoplastic and won't soften with heat. Might I suggest you form a piece of acrylic plastic to shape and mount LEDs with crazy glue feeding the leads to the back. Use silver paste you can get at Radio Shack to ink your own circuit. Failing that, run jumper wires from LED to LED.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Who's Online   1 Member, 0 Anonymous, 379 Guests (See full list)

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Guidelines. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.