MEP 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
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