Homebrew PCBs

On 10/31/2013 7:48 AM, Harvey White wrote:
> On Wed, 30 Oct 2013 17:16:36 +0000, you wrote:
>
>  >The results with a flat iron are too variable which laminator is best ?
>
> You're dealing with three variables, pressure, temperature, and time.

Sounds to me like there is no cheap and simple laminator out there that 
is really suitable for our job so I have not bothered buying one.

On the other hand, I seem to be whistling in the graveyard as not a 
single response has been made to my solution to getting it right all the 
time with and iron.

The 3 variables mentioned, if properly controlled produce the required 
environment for the toner to  transfer.

If you use an IR thermometer to measure the board and transfer sheet 
temperature while ironing, you get the same results just by getting the 
temperature right.  It takes time to get it their depending on board 
thickness and a bunch of other stuff and the weight of the iron does not 
change if you just move it around.

If it doesn't work the first time, try a different temp.  If mushy, go 
lower.  If incomplete transfer go higher.  Change nothing else and it 
will work every time (more or less).

I find 300F works well for my stuff so that's a good place to start.

You can buy IR thermometers for less than a laminator and they have lots 
of other uses like making martinis, etc.

Try it.... say something, have a martini,

Jack


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