"Bob Macklin" <
rottenrobbie0@...> writes:
> Is the etching mask created from a laser printer conductive? Could
> the same process be used to create a solder mask.
Toner's plastic and, I think, carbon. I tested a sample and no, it
doesn't seem to conduct. However, it's also not heat resistant. See:
http://www.delorie.com/electronics/alarmclock/20070705-power.htmlAt the center pin of U400 (lower left, the 7805), you can see the
solder went right over the toner line. Granted, there's a lot of
solder there... quick test, as I still have that board... nope, I
tried soldering a trace that had toner on it, and the solder went
right through it as if it weren't there.
Interesting enough, the toner did survive the hotplate reflow. I
suspect that's just because nothing was there to physically move it,
so it just re-solidified in place.