Homebrew PCBs

pixelcanvas wrote:
> Adam, by pressure pack of solderable PCB you mean a spray can of
> solder mask? 

Its not solder mask because the PCB lacquer can easily be soldered 
through. Solder mask is a type of heat resistant 2 part cured epoxy.

> As for the slivers, I'm sure it's the little cracks on the ink.
> I just took a couple pictures and with the camera macro the cracks
> look a lot worse than I thought.... =/
> I think is a mix of the wrong film and too much ink on the printer
> settings. I think a laser printer should work better.
> 
> http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s282/sawasdee_che/Electronics/?action=view¤t=PCB_Mask.jpg
> 
> http://s155.photobucket.com/albums/s282/sawasdee_che/Electronics/?action=view¤t=PCB_1.jpg
> 

That inkjet printout is horrible. The transparency/ink combination 
you're using is not working. Pigment inks would most likely cause 
cracking. Before changing transparencies, try a dye ink instead. Many 
inkjet printers have pigment black ink for text, and dye ink for photo 
printing modes. Photo mode black printing is either a dedicated photo 
black ink or from combined 3 colour inks. In general, I found dye black 
inks are superior than pigment ink for creating PCB photomasks.