I would agree (based on a way too small sample size to actually be scientific) that it seems to be more important to slightly roughen the copper with an abrasive than to have it actually hospital clean.
My last board had 10 mil traces running under 0603 LEDs. I just gave it a sand and rinse and ironed. (and them proceeded to nick a trace with the drill for the mounting holes)
PG
---- Sent using a frigtarded app on a dumb phone. Please make allowances
-original message-
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Today's home-fab thoughts
From: "Dave" <
thenephilim10@...>
Date: 02/12/2009 08:58
Hi All
I use TT. My paper is semi-gloss photo paper which has proved much easier to remove than the gloss I used when I first tried it =D I hacked a texet laminator by fitting a cloths iron thermostat as a replacement for it's original unit.
I get my prints done at a local printers and I clean my copper with a kitchen sponge and detergent. Then fine wire wool then a final clean.
I have made a bubble etch tank up as well which works quite well but needs a little work to maximise it's efficiency.
results are excellent the majority of my traces are sharp and crisp and I even have parts as close as 0.5mm. I have made around 40 PCB's this year with it and only had very few minor problems that needed an etch resist pen.
For quick prototyping or a one off it's great.
regards
Fenris
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Dylan Smith <dyls@...> wrote:
>
> I'm neither particularly meticulous, nor do I use solvents :-)
>
> I've found fine grit wet and dry paper and normal detergent (for
> dishes) cleans the copper perfectly, and leaves a surface to which the
> toner adheres very well.
>
> For taking off the toner after etching, exactly the same process - I
> just scrub the toner off with the same bit of wet and dry and soapy
> water that I used to clean the board.
>
> Pinholes can still be a problem, I've found it depends a lot on the
> paper (some paper seems terrible for it, with others there's hardly a
> problem), and 8/8 is as low as I tend to want to go (10/10 is an order
> of magnitude easier to do than 8/8, I find. But then again, I do use a
> clothes iron to transfer the toner).
>
> El 01-dic-09, a las 21:34, DJ Delorie escribi�:
> > For TT: You need a good enough laser printer, and paper that will (1)
> > print cleanly and (2) release cleanly. You have to be meticulous
> > about cleaning the board or the toner won't stick. Small details are
> > hard to get, and the toner lets pinhole leaks get through. You need a
> > solvent to remove the toner after etching. Lamination requires a hot
> > (350F) temperature to get good adhesion.
>