On Sun, 21 Dec 2003 20:42:19 -0500, Deepinder Singh <
deepinder_s@...>
wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I currently use a plotter and a Lumograph pen as the etch resist for
> making my pcbs. Instead of drilling I just solder the dip components
> directly onto the copper side - kindda modified smt. So far this has
> sufficed but I decided to move to real smt and that is testing the
> limits of the pens ( .4mm with a fresh tip - about .5mm practically )
> which gives 0.016in lines ( and spacing ) with barely enough clearance
> between tracks.
>
> I was thinking of switching over to the toner transfer method but was
> curious what is the resolution that people achieve with this method -
> i.e. is it suitable for smt. I've heard that the toner spreads a bit
> when heated but not sure how much.
>
> TIA Deepinder
>
Hi!
I'm new to toner transfer too.
Yesterday i started my first smd board with it (Two non-smd made before).
it is PERFECT.
the genuine HP toner is FAR better (and eur 5 at ebay isn't that much ;-) )
.
There is still some spreading of the toner, but if you keep pressure light
while ironing it is no problem.
I also still run with darkest setting (no other way with the previous
toner).
I think i can reduce the toner density with this toner, possibly leaving
less material to be spread.
The board i made uses a handful of 1206 Resistors and 10mil (0,254mm
tracks).
It is still to be etched, and i hope there isn't much under-etching with
the narrow tracks.
Otheres here regularly do SMD work with TT, also the very narrow spaced
ics.
I abandoned the plotter thing for just that problem. i couldn't get a
decent track between two ic pins DIL.
and the plotting took ages.
TT is really great, don't be frightened off by some bad early results.
once you have suitable paper and toner it is really the best method i know.
Stefan