Hi Matt,
I got the same problem while trying to use toner transfert. In general, photo paper are a paper frame with a thin sheet of plastic and clay over it. Using an iron, I got very uneven results and most of the time, the platic foil was sticking to the copper. You definitly need a laminator. With it, you get even temperature and even pressure. Mine that I bought for 20euros, is a Rexel but from the pictures from other members, it is exactly the same as a GBC model. I removed the two mecanichal thermostat and use an electronic one with a thermocouple, set the temperature to 180°C and need from 8 to 15 passes, depending on the size of the pcb. The larger, the faster it cools down. I've got to use a file to slightly modify it so I could use 1.5mm copper clad. With HP photo paper, I don't even have to soak it, just
let it cool down to ambient temperature and peel it off !
--- On Fri, 8/7/09, Matthew Andrews <matt@...> wrote:
From: Matthew Andrews <matt@...>
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] First toner transfer attempts.
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, August 7, 2009, 1:52 AM
Hello all,
I've been attempting to use the toner transfer method for making PCBs
for the firs time with somewhat frustrating results.
I am using an HP 4P with an authentic HP toner cartridge, and picked up
a 50 pack of staples Photo basic gloss paper(SKU 648181). I'm attempting
to use a clothes iron to heat the toner for transfer. I have fairly good
results with respect to toner adhesion though I definitely need some
improvement, but what's worrying me most is that I end up with what
looks like a plastic layer from the paper stuck to the board that will
not come off without heavy scrubbing with something like a scotch brite pad.
I have a picture of the board here:
http://www.slackers .net/~matt/ PCB/TT_take1. jpg
note the white bits near many of the traces, and over most of the holes.
here's the procedure I've been trying:
1) scrub the board in soap and water with a scotchbrite pad
2) dry the board
3) clean the board with acetone
4) dry the board
5) line up the artwork over the board
6) using an iron on highest(linen) setting, heat half of the board for
~30 sec. while applying pressure.
7) move iron to other side of board(the board is about 4."5x5.25" son
the iron won't cover the whole board.) for ~ 30 seconds.
8) move front of iron back and forth across board moving down ~.25" with
each pass
9) drop in hot soapy water for 5 min.
10) attempt to peel off paper.
Is anyone else using this paper, and have you had similar issues? I
believe that they may have just re-introduced this SKU, and am wondering
if the paper may have changed.
thanks,
-Matt Andrews
_
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]