Thanks for the excellent answer. I never even thought of making a
component mask. That is a great idea.
On Wed, 2004-12-08 at 16:28 +0000, rustyturley wrote:
>
> The toner Reactive file merely puts a harder surface in the top of
> the toner image. It does not fill in holes in the toner nor does it
> fill any "jaggies" in trace lines or pads.
>
> Its main purpose is to provide a harder, more impervious cover for
> the toner. This is important if you are using Pulsar's
> recommended "direct rub" method of FeCl etching (which I use).
> The "direct rub" method relies on use of a soft sponge or brush to
> wipe the etchant across the board. Small amounts of etchant are used
> at room temp and wiped across the board. This speeds the etching
> process by constantly resupplying fresh FeCl to the copper surface
> while removing the copper-saturated etchant. Without the TRF
> overcoat, some of the toner will be rubbed off, exposing copper that
> you do not want removed.
>
> If you are not using the "direct rub" method but are using an etching
> tank, I do not believe that the TRF is needed, but may enhance
> quality of the board.
>
> I also use the aluminum colored TRF to do the legend side of the
> board. I have no problems getting a good component legend with the
> toner transfer and finishing it with the aluminum TRF. I do
> encounter some minor problems when transferring a legend when a
> legend item is too close to a track or pad on a double-side board.
> The difference in the height of the copper and the board will cause a
> small skip in the toner due to this surface irregularity.
>
> The TRF coated legend is surprisingly scratch resistant. I transfer
> the legend prior to drilling. The legend side is face down on my
> drill press and after all of the positioning, sliding and drilling,
> the legend appears unaffected.
>
> I use these techniques to make single/double sided boards from 3"x5"
> to 9"x6". I do all thru-hole boards, so I make no representations
> regarding the efficacy of these techniques for SMD work.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> Regards,
>
> Rusty Turley
>
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--
Kim Lux (Mr.) Diesel Research Inc