I'm starting out to make my first prototype pcb and I need help. I have decided to try the toner transfer method because that seems the easiest (no need to get special photo-sensitive chemicals, no UV etc.) If this doesn't work for me I'll try another method. I'm a hobbyist who has hopes of making products in the future that sell and make me pots of money. But for now I need some basic information. My understanding of toner transfer is a bit hazy, and this is how I think it works:
1) One prints the routed pcb tracks on plain paper on an ink-jet printer.
2) Place it on the copper-clad pcb surface.
3) Pass a hot iron on the paper (or use a laminator.)
4) Then etch with cupric chloride solution.
One additional question that I have is, I have seen numerous references in this forum to "printing on vinyl". Please enlighten me as to what this "vinyl" is.
Have I over-simplified the process, or have I missed something?
I have seen many posts on vast details about printer types, and laminators etc. on this forum. So if someone can point me at a basic tutorial and a list of main issues to watch out for, I would appreciate very much.
I apologize for putting this basic question to a forum that is clearly highly advanced in this subject.
A million thanks to you all in advance.
-Mukundan