Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Steve <steve65@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> 
> What temperature does the toner need to reach in order to transfer?
> 
> I'm thinking about using the TL901 laminator for double-sided board, 
> 1/16in thickness. How many times would I need to run the board through 
> the laminator?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Steve
> 
>

It depends on the toner among other things. I modified my laminator to make it hotter and it was a big improvement, I believe mine is also a TL901, it was the cheap Scotch one. If you open it up and look at the connector from the thickness switch you'll see that it has a couple of empty slots, each pin leading to a different value resistor. I scrounged some pins from another similar connector and added one to the highest heat position with a second switch, but you could also replace one of the resistors with a pot and have variable control. You want it about as hot as you can get it without damaging the laminator. I find 6 passes to be adequate but I usually do 8-10 just to make sure. Too many does not seem to cause problems but too few certainly does.