there is a free software suite called express pcb. While basic, it does allow one to select trace length and to fill out portions of board with square or rectangular copper planes .Maybe it can help you ( it allows superpositions so geometries can grow quite complex).

Good luck and hope it helps.

Thank you, I'll have a look at that on monday, but it sounds like what I need.

Interesting, thanks Mahdi, I look into that on monday.

true but the software already comes with standard sizing and trace width tools as well as general board design elements that are handy.You can also place sized vias and other PCB- speciffic elements easily without worrying about precise scale coordination between elements ( the software handles it automatically and you're left with a correct proportion and size board). Of course you can do that on any decent design software but it is easier to just use appropriate (and free!) tools.

Dear Mr. Mahdi

You are right ,metamaterials are not (yet!) standardized (let's get to work here!!) but various research groups have published interesting geometries and sizes. What I was trying to say is that although a general photo editor can be used, a PCB design tool has a much easier dimensional control on traces- you set the sizes and the software obeys them without much effort and can generate ,say, a corrosion mask directly. Laser printer method -on photo paper - and then hot-pressing and etching etc is a quick way to prototype. Also there are quite a lot of workshops that are glad to produce pcbs or masks for custom pcbs for modest prices.

My observation was more from a practical workflow point of view- if I know one thing about common, PCB-based metamaterials is that you need a LOT of pcbs ..with a lot of elements and some form of automation/industrial design is needed even at a single lab/ first exploration level.

I am responsible for designing the bespoke meta atom, so high precision in terms of dimensions are very important as I have simulated a very specific size and shape. I have been attempting to use solidworks but realised I hate that software with a passion so express pcb suite it is! Mahdi, in terms of feature size, my smallest feature is 50microns, I don't know how good the tolerance would be with the method you suggested? Hence why I'm electing to have an external company who are no doubt better than I am at fabrication do the fabricating.