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Subject: Re: Differences between negative dry film resist and pre-coated positive resist

From: "Ben" <bhleavi@...>
Date: 2009-03-17

> I've never used pre-coated positive photoresist boards so I cannot
> comment. Does anyone know how this resists is applied, since I don't
> think dry film positive resists exist. All the positive resists I've
> come across are in liquid solvent.
>
> I've use the old spray on Electrolube PRP photoresist , and all I can
> say is its a pita to use compared to negative dry film. Even when you do
> manage to get a uniform, contaminate free, well adhering coating, the
> stuff is lot less forgiving in the developer and exposure time compared
> to negative dry film.
>
> Professional PCB manufactures exclusively use negative dry film
> photoresist. It must be economical overall, weather that's because it is
> easier to process with simple equipment or lower bulk material cost.
>

I use the M G Chemicals 600 series boards normally the 630 8" x 12" this is positive resist. I have had good results in using them. One of my boards is pictured on the home page of this group. Sorry I do not know off hand cost compared to doing neg. dry film. I have been thinking about trying out the Neg. Dry Film resist. M G Chemicals is now offering the Dry Film resist in small quantity, 5 ft x 12". Mouser carries it but does not seem to keep a lot of it in stock and list a 2 week lead time for it.

I do not recommend trying to use the DIY positive resist liquid. It can and does work but it is a real pain to use, I used it back some 17 years ago.

www.mouser.com is the best source that I have found for the M G Chemicals products.

Ben