PCB FORGE

PCB Forge

Turn any PCB layout into a 3D-printable mold. No etching, no chemicals.

How it works:

1. Design your PCB in any vector editor. Export as SVG — traces as filled shapes, holes as circles.
2. Drop the SVG into PCB Forge. Adjust trace depth, clearance, ridge height, and spike size.
3. Export the base and companion as STL files. Print both.
4. Stick copper tape onto the base. Use the kind with conductive adhesive so overlapping pieces count as one surface.
5. Press the companion mold on top — it pushes the copper into the recessed traces.
6. Sand the ridges. The exposed copper files off. The copper inside the channels stays. Your traces are now electrically isolated. Solder and go.
7. Optional step, you can remove the extra copper tape between the steps. You might also like to use an alcohol-soaked q-tip to remove any plastic dust/ copper tape glue that sticks inside the traces. but it makes no difference to conductivity.

Inspired by QZW Labs' raised-PCB method.

Step-by-Step Workflow for the SVG file

1. Design in Illustrator (or any vector editor) at 72 DPI
2. Board outline: Draw the board shape as the largest, backmost filled shape (any color)
3. Traces: Draw copper paths as filled shapes in any bright color (yellow is traditional)
4. Pinholes: Draw as small circles (< 2.5mm) — any color, they'll all become pinholes
5. Through-holes: Draw as large circles (≥ 2.5mm) with black or white fill
6. Circular pads: Draw as large circles (≥ 2.5mm) with a color fill
7. Board cutouts: Draw any shape (star, slot, rectangle) in black or white — it cuts through the base only
8. Export SVG: File → Save As → SVG (default settings are fine)
9. Import: Drop into PCB Forge, set board width, adjust parameters
10. Export STL: Download base and companion separately, print both

Download the test.svg on this page to try it (it's just my custom circuit to connect 4x4 cherry switches to an arduino nano)


Here's a video if you need help.