EP#393: Recyclable PCBs, EOL Design, Cold Cuts

Parker and Stephen discuss Infineon’s use of recyclable PCBs from Jiva Materials to create a soluboard, a recyclable and biodegradable PCB substrate, and its ecological and efficiency implications, an examination of the new Arduino Uno, which replaces the ATMEGA328P with two new models, Minima and Wifi, plus a CNC update and an extended meditation on saw blades and what they can and cannot actually cut.

More on these topics:

Infineon uses recyclable PCBs from Jiva Materials

• The fibers are natural and have a lower impact than traditional glass based fibers.
  • 7.1kg and the carbon footprint of one square meter of standard FR-4 PCB is estimated to be 17.7kg.
  • Does anyone really know what “carbon footprint” means?
• The non-toxic polymer that binds the fibers dissolves when immersed in hot water, leaving only compostable organic material. The polymer in the water can be disposed of in normal waste water.
  • 7.1kg and the carbon footprint of one square meter of standard FR-4 PCB is estimated to be 17.7kg.
  • A 60% waste reduction
  • Electronic devices can last FOREVER
  • Bad reviews vs. pollution vs. boiling the boards vs. useless promo items

Jiva Materials

• Compatibility with current PCB Assembly processes 
• Repair, don’t replace!
• Hoping for some Jiva experimentation 
• Board Mould
• Mmmm, PCB soup…
• Making puzzle badges but also, BOIL YOUR BADGE
• But is the PCB Spaceworthy?

New Arduino Uno:

• The ATMEGA328P is no more! Replaced with a 32-bit ARM Cortex M4.
• Comes in two flavors:
  • Minima which looks to just be the MCU and supporting hardware.
  • WiFi which has 2.4Ghz capabilities and a LED Matrix?
• The Minima has a proper SWD debug connector where the WiFi version does not?
• Gripes with Arduino
• Super crisp silkscreening 
• USB and HID Support 
• Raspberry Pie has bit the bullet

Once Year Since the CNC Project Began: An Update

• We are cutting!
• Getting garbage plywood and the state of Baltic Birch
• Building the interior of the box truck
• Always find a local source
• Using the wrong blade can feel so right
• SAW (blades)
• Metal and wood and cold cuts
• WARNING: PODCAST DANGER ZONE AHEAD

Good links:

• Infineon uses recyclable PCBs from Jiva Materials
• Jiva Materials 
• New Arduino Uno
• MEP EP#352: CNC Crafting

Thank you for listening to the MacroFab Engineering Podcast!  We’d love to hear what you think of the show so please tweet at us @MacroFab and join our slack channel at Macrofab dot com / slack or email us at podcast@macrofab.com.