Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Mark,

I've used press and peel for a while. I've not done a huge number of boards, but I did get varying results. I've not done double sided and to be honest, based on how fiddly it is I'd probably not try. Here's what I found (for single sided) helped:

1. Make sure the print settings have the contrast as high as possible.. you want it very very black.
2. Make sure the copper is spotless, and I mean spotless. I used 600 grit wet and dry (no water) to "polish" the copper. In truth it covers the surface with a lot of very fine scratches.. but it gets rid of any oxidisation on the surface.
3. Clean the board with IPA. At this point you don't want to get your fingers on it as I found the oils from my fingers upset things.
4. Place cut press 'n' peel on the board, put a piece of paper on back and apply hot iron for a bit.
5. Remove iron and paper, and run through laminator a few times.
6. Let is stand to cool, then remove press 'n' peel.

The issue I always found was with the iron/laminator not heating the board up correctly, or poor consistency. After many attempts and a few good and bad boards, I gave up. It was reading this list, and the recent discussion of the cold transfer process, that got be back to making my own PCB's again. The cold transfer process (with gloss laser paper) has, so far, given me consistent results.

Thanks,
Phil.

 

Hi all.

I've been a member for a while now subscribing some time ago when I was intending to try my hand at making my own pcb. I've now got around to making my very first.

My first attempt while not looking bad didn't cut the mustard. It's a double sided pcb. I send Kicad to draw my circuit and lay out the PCB. I purchase some press and peel at a very costly £19 and have to admit I used most of it before being happy with results. I've followed the instructions, watched hours of online videos before even starting. Using an old toner printer the print came out really well but when it came to transferring the image to the board I was less than pleased. To try and overcome missing areas I enlarged my traces and vias but sill did not come out as I'd like. Admitting defeat I used a sharpie to fill in. Being double sided I made registration dots to aid lining up I even drilled the the board and was convinced the lining up would be spot on...HOW wrong was I. Not far out but the Vias did not line up.

I am somewhat deflated but don't want to give in. I really thing it's time to move from 'press and peel' to save loss of cash.mbut I thing I need advice.

I looking for advice on-

Do I move away from 'Pres and pell blue'?

Would running it twice give my better results?

How to line up double layers.?

I'll put a cpouple of photos in to show.

Thanks in advance Mark