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

After reading the write up on Staples Picture paper SKU # 471861 for
toner transfer, I decided to give it a try on my next boards.

I've had success with a GBC 4" laminator, clay coated inkjet paper
and a Laserjet III+. I also use label release paper for the legends
on the front of the board. The boards were done on Eagle and were
relativey simple with wide-ish traces. There were traces going
between pads.

The final boards were comparable to my regular setup.

What I liked: The heavier paper was easier to handle and went thru
my antique laser jet smoothly. After removing the paper, transfer
was sharp and black. There was no white clay film in the toner and
the holes in the pads cleaned out easily.

What I didn't like: The heavier paper required more passes thru the
laminator to get the same results. This was expected. Removal was a
little slower than the clay coated paper, but did completely come
off. The cost was about 3x (30 sheets for $10 vs 100 sheets for $10).

Overall, I thought the Staples picture paper was pretty good,
reasonably cost effective and easy to use. The only consideration
during changeover was allowing for the extra thickness of the paper
in processing.

Myc