Abragan, Monica P. <br/><br/>
e_ETCH_t:  A Design-Based Research Arduino-Controlled Printed Circuit Board (PBC) Exching Machine to Improve Safety and Learning in Electronics Technology 
Monica P. Abragan, Angelia N. Gilles, Sheena A. Penaredonda and Charlene Rose Requilme..- 
 - Manila:  Technological University of the Philippines,  2025. 
 - xii, 143pages:  29cm. 
<br/><br/> Bachelor's Thesis 
<br/><br/>College of Industrial Education..- 
<br/><br/>Includes bibliographic references and index. 
<br/><br/> The research paper is entitled e-ETCH-t: A Design-Based Research on an<br/>Arduino-Controlled Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Etching Machine to Enhance Safety and<br/>Learning in Electronics Technology; it was designed to address gaps in conventional<br/>manual PCB etching techniques. These instructional approaches put students at risk,<br/>subject them to mistakes, and waste their time. The research included 30 respondents<br/>and used the Design-Based Research (DBR) framework in four stages. Phase 1 identified<br/>critical issues among students regarding safety risks and their impact on learning. These<br/>were directly connected to manual involvement in the etching processes, which were both<br/>time-intensive and potentially hazardous. Phase 2 involved developing the PCB etching<br/>machine with Arduino control, featuring an Arduino Uno, automated timing, a peristaltic<br/>pump, an agitation mechanism, LCD monitoring, and LED safety indicators. The design<br/>involved expert input, which guaranteed that the system had an enclosed structure,<br/>straightforward instructions on how it should be used, and that it was acceptable in<br/>classes. Phase 3 included a repeatable test of the prototype, during which participants<br/>provided feedback. The outcomes were categorized as "Satisfied," with gains in accuracy,<br/>reduced chemical exposure, and reduced operating costs. Phase 4 identified major design<br/>principles, including safety, automation, user-friendly instructions, and the incorporation of<br/>practical learning into the learning process. The overall conclusion of the study was that<br/>the Arduino-controlled PCB etching machine made the work much better in terms of safety<br/>and efficiency as well as the overall learning experience. It turned out to be a useful<br/>educational resource that helped to integrate theory and practice and provided a more<br/>sustainable and safer version of the traditional PCB etching techniques.<br/>Keywords: Arduino-controlled Etching Machine, Design-Based Research, Electronics<br/>Education, Instructional technology, Laboratory, PCB fabrication, Safety 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>Electronics Technology<br/>Arduino-controlled Etching Machin<br/> PCB fabrication
<br/><br/><label>LC Class. No.: </label>BTH TK 870  / A27 2025