Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Here is my 100% reliable process (down to 10mil), SMD 100%

HP Laserjet 2100 ORIGINAL TONER ONLY
set to maximum density ( there is a little tool for that around )

Laminator , modified to higher temperature and slower speed
( layout and bascom prog for controller on request )

4 runs of laminate thru laminator, 1 from each side

Paper from advertising catalogues ( best here is TEQ , german
training company ) , chalked paper, dissolves fast and needs minor
rubbing, chalk remains on top of toner...

transparent paper ( the one used for technical drafts ) for parts side

dissolving cooled down laminate in hot water with some cleaning stuff
( germany: Badreiniger from Plus market )

BAD LUCK:

lately tried it with EPSON Color laser 1100..forget it
3rd party toner..tried two brands for the HP, not good
ironing: no, smears to easy, unreliable temperatures
unmodified laminator: no luck, to cold
other papers, mostly bad at dissolving step, seems as very important
to me that the chalk from the paper sticks on toner and the back of
the paper soaks the water fastly.
Try with the tongue, if the paper seems to glue to the tongue
instantly with a strange taste and is getting weak then, it might be
good. Check if the paper has a smooth and fine surface before
testing, rough surfaces are not good, even though the paper may
dissolve properly. Also too thin paper is bad as it wont run thru the
HP all times...