On Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:59:18 -0000, you wrote:
>Hello All,
> Circuit designing has been my hobby for long time. However, i always found it difficult to make a PCB as there are no screen printers near my area and being a Embedded programmer i didnt wanted to jump in the time consuming process of PCB Manufacturing.
> Couple of months ago i found out the "Toner Transfer" method for PCB manufacturing.However,for a newbie its still a matter of trial and error. So guys here i wanna start a discussion with all those who have done this process ( Sucessfully or not ) , to share their experiences and conclude with a perfect , cheap PCB making process, which can be implemented easily through TONER TRANSFER METHOD.
Firstly, much of this has been covered in the past, and in depth.
Opinions will vary as to the exact steps, but:
1) perfect and cheap do not mix. There's some unavoidable expense.
The smaller the traces (0.010 vs 0.012; or 0.012 vs 0.016) the less
forgiving the process. 0.5 mm spacing chips are about the limit for
me, others do better, some do worse.
> To maintain relevency of discussion let me point out few topics for discussion:
>1. Paper used for Toner Transfer
Go to www.pulsar.gs (they've changed the website). Read the whole
website for toner transfer. Read the hints, look at the accessories,
not all of the instructions they have are in one place.
>2. Laser printer type.
Black, dense, anything but a new brother model.
>3. time and temp. required for exposure ( imp)
Pulsar specifies it, depends on the board, somewhat on the size, and
I'd recommend a GBC laminator. (so do they).
>4. Single sided and Double sided PCB designing.
Separate vias, avoid vias under TQFP parts (i.e. never), wires or
eyelets, technique varies with density on the board. SS is up to you,
double sided I use two separate thin single sided boards and epoxy
them together. Use map pins for registration (thanks to whoever
mentioned that, works better than straight pins, no flex).
>5. CHEMICAL composition and eatching time.
I switched from FeCl3 to H2O2 and HCl, works better for me, have to
see what happens when we go to CuCl etching.
>etc..
Absolutely clean boards are a must.
Harvey
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