Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Radra" <infositeus@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 23, 2006 5:47 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Photolithography - resolution


> Just fabricated my first PCB today using the photolithography method; 
> prior PCBs were made using the toner-transfer method.  My 10 to 15 
> mil tracks were faithfully produced.  Experimented with 1 and 5 mil 
> tracks and learned I could do 5 mils but not 1 mils.  I believe this 
> limit is related to the resolution of the artwork I am using.  I draw 
> the track pattern using AutoCAD. It is then printed onto laser-
> printer transparency film (CG 3300 by 3M) using my HP LaserJet 2200d 
> at 1200 dpi and 180 lpi.
> 
> When I examine the resulting transparency under a microscope, it 
> becomes apparent the 1 mil line is poorly rendered.  At this time, I 
> do not know if the limiting factor is the printer or the film.
> 
> Does anyone have any ideas/suggestions?  One possibility of course is 
> to have the artwork transparency professionally made.

Do you really mean 1 mil (0.001)?

Leon