Homebrew PCBs

On Fri, 30 Mar 2007 02:02:39 +0200, d1camero <a8723@...>  
wrote:

> Hi gang.  This is my first time trying this method and I am having
> some troubles.
> First of all I am using photo paper and an iron to transfer component
> artwork to a PC board.  The boards are thick 1/8" and big 4" x 12".
> Unfortunately the only large glossy photo paper I can find in Canada
> is Staples Photo Supreme high gloss paper - it says for Inkjet
> printers, but they assure me it works with lasers as well.  I am using
> a Panasolnix KXP7100 laser printer with panasonic toner.
> I reverse print onto paper just fine. As directed on the web sites, I
> cleaned the board with scotchbrite and then acetone.  I warmed up the
> board with an iron set to "wool" for about 4 mins.  I first tried
> ironing the paper for 1 minute, then warm water for 10 mins but barely
> anything stuck.  My next attempt was trying 5 minutes with the iron -
> but again, little stuck.
> Any suggestions?
> thanks
> Don


You say you are trying to print component legend, if you try that on  
single-sided stock it is very tricky.
The smooth surface of the epoxy doesn't take toner well. I have trouble  
with it too, only roughening it (sandpaper) works.

OTOH the surface left by removed copper is rough and takes toner like  
crazy, so i'm always using double sided stock these days and just etching  
away the back side. Yes you can't transfer both copper artwork and legend  
in one go that way, but that's not too much bother. The micro rough  
surface left by etched copper holds toner so well i just rip the paper off  
without water. Sanding doesn't get it nearly as good for some reason.


My hat is off to anyone who can make repeatable transfers with a clothes  
iron, i would not want to attempt it any more.

I find the times usually suggested somewhat long, i believe my fuser takes  
just about 1 minute for a whole A4 sheet (30cm or so). My average board is  
much smaller than that so i do not know why it should take so long to iron  
it, especially since unlike the fuser the iron should be able to heat a  
large area at once. Maybe it is not hot enough. I don't know.

ST