When selecting a printed circuit board, it is crucial that you choose the right colors for the solder mask.
The boards come in a wide range of colours including the traditional green, blue, white, yellow, black and purple. In this post, we shall look at Purple PCB colors.
Table of Contents
When selecting a printed circuit board, you must choose the right colors for the solder mask.
The boards come in a wide range of colors, including traditional green, blue, white, yellow, black, and purple. In this post, we shall look at Purple PCB colors.
What is Purple PCB
1. What is Purple PCB
Typically, the color of the PCB comes from the solder mask. A purple PCB is one whose solder mask is purple, this color is not standard, so it may require that you place an order with your manufacturer to have purple PCBs supplied. Manufacturers offer different standards and may charge differently depending on the order placed.
In most cases, you may need to pay a premium when you place an order for a purple PCB. However, most users prefer green PCBs even though there is no restriction on the color chosen. It is all about what you like and your preferences. Different people use different colors depending on the use they want to put the PCB to. However, most users find working with white or black solder masks challenging because it is difficult to see the traces when troubleshooting.
2.About PCB
Even though it is essential to note that there is always a difference between solder masks used in special situations, for instance, in high impedance circuits, specific colors may be chosen to reduce leakage, characterized by impedances. Also, there are cases where colors must be avoided. For instance, there are cases where a transparent PCB is required. In such a case, it may be necessary that you choose one that can serve your needs.
It is also possible to work with a PCB with mixed colors. However, you need to make a particular order from the manufacturer. Such PCBs may be costly and may require that you dig deeper into your pocket.
The other benefit of using colored PCBs is using solder mask colors such as red and purple to test your PCB’s functionality. Using boards with different colors may be critical if you don’t want to get confused.
How to Make Color Commercial PCBs
Colored commercial PCBs can be made by lying them down using a screen-printer. The color may come from solder mask ink which is then cured. In such a case, photoimaging may be used to make gaps.
Notice that solder mask ink may come in a wide range of colors, but the trouble is that it may not be easy to change the colors since it requires that you clean the printing equipment and clean the ink, which will waste more time. Note that vendors may have a limited list of colors, and it may be necessary that you keep the printer settings for your colors.
Black and white solder mask should be avoided because they make it difficult to see the tracks. However, whether you choose purple PCB, black PCB, or green PCBs, it may not matter much since the differences may not be much.
Consequently, choosing among the PCBs that are already on the market may make your work easier.
