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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: more experiments with Toner transfer by etching the boards first

From: <n0tt1@...>
Date: 2016-01-17

RE:  Cleaning the boards....
My experience to date has sort of been the opposite, i.e., I clean the boards
with "Bar Keeper's Friend" (it's like Ajax powder without bleach) and a
sponge.  I clean it enough so that water doesn't bead on the copper...it just
"lays there" and kind of spreads out.  Then I use the clothes iron or laminator.
I use "genuine" HP toner and HP printer.
 
It could be that the powder scratches the board just enough for the
toner to adhere easier.  BUT, I'm going to try the pre-etch method to put
a "patina" on the copper, then apply the toner.  The cold transfer method
looks like a good method....not tried here yet.
 
Charlie
 
On Sun, 17 Jan 2016 11:53:14 -0800 "Bill Verstelle verstelle@... [Homebrew_PCBs]" <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com> writes:
 

I think I the past that was my biggest problem I cleaned the boards so good it looked like a new penny. I has so much trouble getting toner to stick, and I tried everything, more heat, used the wife's iron, and tried every paper you could find and the best luck I had was with that blue paper made just for toner transferase then it was never perfect. But now that I pre-etch I can use any paper, such a huge difference. 

Today I'll pre-etch a board and try the cold transfer everyone it talking about. 
Bill

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 17, 2016, at 9:54 AM, 'RDHeiliger' rdheiliger@... [Homebrew_PCBs] <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

On pre-etch boards. I read some time ago that PCB board manufacturers oxidize the copper before adhering it to the fiberglass substrate. Bare copper is difficult to bond to, but a thin oxide layer bonds well. I use cheap board that often have defects and I clean them with 400 grit sand paper on an orbital sander. Then I clean the board with lacquer thinner. What ever is in lacquer thinner creates a thin oxide layer, and aid in adhering the toner to the board. Found this also allows a lower laminator temperature, and less distortion of the toner.
 
Think this pre-etch may also be applicable to the acetone transfer method that has been documented here recently.
 
RD