Homebrew PCBs

Good point about the stepping over the traces. That can be tested 
with just my b/w laser at home.

I'd like to see Chris's photo. Where can I find it?

Mike



--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan" 
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
>
> Chris showed a photo of a "novel" component legen a while ago - he 
printed  
> the "real world" view of his PCB out and transferred that. So you 
can put  
> legend over the mask, even in one go, probably even graphics if 
you like.
> 
> The problem with using it for soldermask will be that it is hard 
to do a  
> transfer that continues over the edge of a trace, because of the 
step.
> 
> I had the very same idea (or Chris had it, i don't remember), 
anyway, we  
> discussed it either here or on E_101, but i haven't had time to 
try it,  
> and also i don't have a color laser.
> 
> If you try it make sure to show us.
> 
> ST
> 
> 
> On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 17:31:54 +0100, Mike Phillips 
<mikep_95133@y...>  
> wrote:
> 
> > While wishing that I had made a prototype first, mostly because 
it's
> >
> > a good idea and a lot of fun, I came up with an idea for 
soldermask.
> >
> >
> > Since we can use toner transfer for adding a silkscreen layer 
over a
> >
> > board, why not use toner transfer for adding a soldermask layer 
to
> >
> > the board? It could be even done in your favorite board color by
> >
> > using a color laser printer from a copy center. A negative image 
of
> >
> > the soldermask layer would be required. My software generates 
that
> >
> > if needed. The plastic toner soldermask layer would make an
> >
> > excellent barrier.
> >
> >
> > The next step would be to see if one could lay the toner transfer
> >
> > silkscreen layer over the toner transfer soldermask layer
> >
> > successfully with different colors?
> >
> >
> > My board (35mm x 40mm) can be panelized 25 times on one 8.5 x 11
> >
> > sheet. Even more on a legal sheet or larger. They use to charge 
$1
> >
> > for each sheet. So that's something like 5 cents per board after
> >
> > taxes.
> >
> >
> > If my rookie bare bones board design is ok when it arrives, then 
I'm
> >
> > going to try this idea.
> >
> >
> > Thoughts?
> >
> >
> > Mike
>