How to Repair a Broken Circuit Board
- 1). Assess the damage the plastic board has received, identifying cracks or splits in the plastic caused by physical non-electrical damage that can be repaired using the epoxy glue. This adhesive consists of two substances that form a bond when mixed. Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the broken edges or cracks on the board. Hold the board tight for at least a minute to bond the broken edges together, then place the board on a flat surface for another 20 to 30 minutes to allow the epoxy to set fully.
- 2). Assess the damage to the copper traces on the circuit board. Any traces damaged by electrical malfunction will show the same distinctive pattern--the normally gold-colored traces will be burned black.
- 3). Locate a damaged section of the trace and remove it using a small blade, while also revealing a small amount of undamaged copper trace on either side to act as the points where the thin-gauge copper wire will be soldered. About 2 to 3 mm should suffice. Do this for each damaged or broken trace.
- 4). Plug in and heat up the soldering iron with a thin tip. Apply the solder to each revealed copper trace until they all appear bright silver.
- 5). Measure the distances between each copper trace for every break and cut appropriate lengths of the copper wire. Place the wires between the damaged connections and solder them in place to fix the damaged traces.
- 6). Assess the components on the circuit board for damage. All damaged components will leave black burn marks on the board and show signs of swelling or rupturing. Use a heated soldering iron to melt the solder holding the connections of the component to the board and pull it away, leaving a small mounting hole to solder a replacement component.
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