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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: inkjet resolution (was: UV LED box)

From: DJ Delorie <dj@...>
Date: 2008-06-28

DJ Delorie <dj@...> writes:
> I've got some preliminary (i.e. unetched) results.
>
> See: http://www.delorie.com/pcb/inkjet/

And finally, etched results are there too.

Adam - I used the wet-lamination technique. The results were nearly
perfect (more heat next time, one of the unattached pads floated away
during etch, leaving the copper therein to get etched away). It also
let me use some old 0.063" stock, which won't fit through my
laminator. Any tips for doing double-sided boards this way? The
second side was harder due to the board being more slippery, and trapped
water in the pre-drilled holes kept steaming the film away from the board.

Fine line tests - I think had I left it in the etch tank longer, 4/4
would have worked just fine. I'll have to include another test patch
on the next set of boards I do. 6/6 was perfect and 5/5 again needed
more etch time.

About the comb edges - the film seems to have smoothed that out,
leaving professional-looking edges on everything. Even at 200X they
look smooth.

Overall - aside from the one floating pad and the fine-trace test
patches, the rest of the board looks perfect. MUCH higher quality
than with toner transfer. Next time, though, more time in the etch
tank, and more heat putting down the film.

Now I'm considering getting some solder mask film too :-)