I didn't use the pulsar process completely, just the toner transfer
paper. Their process uses another iron on transfer product, then
you scrub the board with the chemicals - didn't like that idea.
The "Bloom" I think you are referring to is from my touch up on the
toner where I thought I saw some missing spots - my hands are not
steady enough to just dab the spots so it looks kind of nasty.
The pin-holing would probably be much less if I could figure out how
to turn up the density of this particlar laser printer 6P. I don't
think it is putting down enough toner for a really good job.
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
> pretty clean. Some pinholing and a few trace blooms but very
> respectable. The trace blooms are due to too much pressure, by the
> way. With an iron, it's very very hard to avoid.
>
> I'm suprised that the pulsar process has pinholes. Guess it's just
> toner transfer with pricey paper.
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "lcdpublishing"
> <lcdpublishing@y...> wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > WOW, what a difference a little bit of practice makes and a new
> > etching tank. I posted images of my latest attempt in the files
> > section - root directory.
> >
> > NewEtching.jpg
> >
> > Process outline...
> >
> > Designed in PCB Wizard
> > Printed on Pulsar paper using HP laserjet 6p
> > Transferred with iron, two 15 second pressings @ 360 degrees F
> > Etched in ferric Chloride, warm, with air bubbles.
> > Wiped off toner with Acetone
> >
> > And that is what you see. Next up, I will try the tinning
process
> > using solder paste as outlined here about a week or so ago.
> >
> > I am amazed at how much better these came out compared to my
> > previous attempts.
> >
> > The change in transfer was shorter pressing time (was about 90
> > seconds or more) and perhaps a bit less heat, didn't measure
temp
> > last time. Also, made sure to re-position iron during pressing
so
> > as to make sure the steam vent hole areas would be re-pressed
with a
> > different part of the iron sole.
> >
> > I used ferric chloride last time, but in a small tray with
gentle
> > rocking for agitation. This time, the tank is much larger 1/2
> > gallon and am using fish tank bubblers for agitation.
> >
> > Chris