dhlocker:
>
> I have used Office Max High Gloss photo paper with outstanding results.
>
My art work was taken out of a construction article that I ran across
on the Internet. I copied the artwork onto generic copy paper that I
use in my
HP 3320 Inkjet printer and took this copy to my local UPS copy store.
The laser jet copy was made on a Minolta machine, normal density, on the
glossy side of the Office Max paper.
Using the usual iron-on technique, preheating the copper clad material
prior to
applying the artwork to the copper surface and applying iron-on
heat/pressure for about
2 minutes with constant motion of the iron. The toner adhered to the
copper quite
well, and evidenced when I soaked the PCB in warm water. I did let the
PCB cool
off for about 10 minutes prior to the warm water soak.
The paper flaked off very effortlessly, just requiring a bit of thumb
rubbing in one
or two places. But all-in-all, the paper literally floated off.
Retouching a few pinholes was required. The image was near perfect.
Using the Muriatic acid/peroxide etch solution, the board etched out in
about
5 minutes with a moderate amount of heat applied to the etchant in a glass
baking dish in open air with a constant rocking back and forth of the dish
Moderate heat was applied to the etchant via a heat gun that is designed
to be used
with heat-shrink tubing commonly used in electronics wiring.
The toner was tough to remove, and I finally resorted to naphtha to help
dissolve it, followed by a ScotchBrite pad and Comet cleanser.
The second time around, a different laser printer was used at the UPS store.
I don't recall the brand name. The Minolta machines were all busy.
The same Office Max High Gloss paper was used (from the same package).
This time, the paper was very difficult to remove, and I had to resort of a
toothbrush to partially remove it followed by a lot of thumb rubbing.
Some of the toner came off with the paper and I had to retouch several pads
and traces with a Sharpie pen. The warm water soak time was inordinately
long IMHO.
Not nearly as good as the first attempt with Office Max Glossy
and the Minolta printer.
My conclusion is that the toner makes the difference.
The only variable in the two instances was the difference in the laser
printers,
each most likely using a different type of toner.
Yesterday I received a package of Fry's GQ Glossy Photo Paper, but it
will be a while before I have need for any more PCB's. So if anyone has
had experience with this paper, please advise.
Comments and suggestions are most welcomed.
Roland F. Harriston