Electronic – PCB alterations post-production. Or, how to not stab theself while scraping off the copper

pcbpcb-designtrace

I made a PCB that I am happy with (it works!). This is for a power circuit, and I have realized (way too late) that I want a switch on the board as well. I bought a switch from a hardware store that seems to be ok for the purpose.

I have the location of the thick VCC trace where I want the switch identified, and I think I can drill two slots using a small drill. The only problem that remains is the copper trace between the two slots. I want to remove that copper to make sure it cannot turn on without the switch being on.

I have 2oz copper traces. The trace I will need to remove is about 7 mm in width and probably 1 cm in length.

The only two ways I can think of getting rid of this trace region are:

  1. Try to scrape it off with an exacto knife. I have only ever taken solder mask off with a knife, so I don't know how well this will work on copper…
  2. Try to overheat that region of the PCB and hope the copper peels off. I've done this accidentally a few times. Well, the transistor burned and took the traces with it).

Is there a better/safer way? I could probably just not put the switch on the board, but put it on a separate prototype board by itself and wire that to the power board.

Best Answer

Assuming your PCB is low-voltage, then just a wide-ish cut from a scalpel will do. Personally, I've had success with a technique akin to a lumberjack cutting a tree with an axe. Put one cut in as deep as possible, then shave off bits from either side, making a "V"-shaped "canyon" until you're satisfied that the cut is big enough. If your circuit is high-voltage, then make two cuts with a decent separation distance, then use the scalpel to cut underneath the trace and lift it off the board.

If possible, hold the board tightly in a vice whilst you're doing this, to allow you to have only one hand (the one holding the scalpel) near the blade.