--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Matthew Andrews <matt@...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
> I've been attempting to use the toner transfer method for making PCBs
...
> 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
>
Hello Matt, I went through exactly the same thing with Staples basic 190 g/m2 glossy paper. Many new photo papers are having plastic like layers incorporated near the backing or surface. This paper transfers well but is diabolical to remove. If you don't use enough heat the transfer will never be satisfactory, if you use more heat the surface bonds and melts along with the toner and is near impossible to remove on this paper.
I use magazine paper for now, as long as it's the shiny type, this works massively better than the above mentioned paper which I think is a new formula.
You should know that thin magazine paper can foul going through a laser printer, it's best to sellotape the leading edge to a normal piece of paper if you ever try thin magazine paper. This way has the advantage that you only need to use a cut size of magazine paper a bit bigger than your board size.
As long as the board is properly clean, enough heat is put on the board, I use a small travel iron on high setting for 5-8 minutes just lying on top with a bit of kitchen foil underneath. The board gets to about 200-230 degrees c. Then iron with gentle force or I put through an unmodified fellows £30 laminator a couple of times and then cool quickly in water. The cooling quickly seems to work better than slow cooling.
I never[almost] get inconsistent results anymore, sometimes a few traces can have slight squashing under a magnifying glass if the heat is high but the transfer is always good. The board has to be very clean also and free from grit, grease or dust etc.. I always clean carefully at least twice with Acetone. It's also good to let it sit for a minute for the Acetone to evaporate properly otherwise this can interfere with adhesion also.
It's extremely frustrating using the toner transfer method until you avoid the various pitfalls. I would abandon this paper unless you like torturing yourself and look for another type of paper.
Regards Doug.