Homebrew PCBs

As I said, this was strictly a test to see what was going to happen. I have 
a project coming up that will be small sized boards and "at present" I 
don't plan any large size boards. I just wanted to test concept.

The test setup is not pretty and I didn't have a clue when I started 
whether or not it would even work!  MSC has these heater up to 12x24" and 
wattages up to 1440 watts, but who wants to spend $91.44 (plus tax and 
shipping, plus AL plate etc) to test a CONCEPT?

What I was trying to prove/disprove with my test setup was "is this 
conceptually PRACTICAL" ?

I think based on what I have done so far, it IS and with additional 
testing, will be able to get CONSISTENT results.

I do NOT disagree with anything you have said about pressure, but also 
think there are several variables that have to be fully tested and 
documented for each of the various sized boards. In addition to the 
pressure, think about time, temperature, toner, detail of the board, type 
of transfer medium, (and several others).

One that came up in the first tests was the "backing board" for the 
pressure assembly. I started using AL plate, but found that it sucked to 
much heat and I could not get "reliable" transfers.  This was the reason to 
switch to the 2x4 (insulation properties).

I have NOT and will not say that this is the end all process. It was just 
offered as a suggestion of what I am pursuing!

I have learned a lot from this group and others, but extension of the 
technology will only continue if we can have dialog. I will WELCOME any 
suggestion on how to make it better!

What variables have I omitted, PLEASE let me know and time/money etc 
available, will sure as heck give it a try. This is one of my hobbies, not 
my profession and I have to learn as I go!


At 11:08 AM 1/15/2004, you wrote:
>What is the largest size of board you did that way? I challenge you
>that a 6"x9" board will not laminate image correctly. I never had a
>single problem laminating small boards but it takes some tricky
>ironing to make a large board and I have ALMOST 100%. That ALMOST
>might be or might not be important, depending on the location of hte
>misfit. What you have there is a steady temperature and the pressure,
>but the pressure has to be of certain value; too high and the tracks
>are flattened. Too low and they won't transfer. Bu different parts of
>board require different(-ly applied) pressure, at least that's what
>find out. I am sceptical about your contraption until you provide
>your comments. Mike
>
>
>
>--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Derryck Croker <derryck@n...>
>wrote:
> > On 15/1/04 01:28, Art Eckstein at axtein@d... wrote:
> >
> > > In the testing that I have done with my home built press, I find
>that 120 C
> > > works just fine with HP 1300 toner.
> >
> > Laserjet 5M here.
> >
> > > A quickie web site of how I made my press is located at:
> > >
> > > http://ns1.dicomm.net/~axtein/PCB/PCB_Press.htm
> >
> > Nice kit, but it would never fit into my work room :-)
> >
> > --
> > Cheers,
> >
> > Derryck

Bubba

OLDER THAN DIRT
Country Bubba
(Actually the inventor of Country and Bubba)
In God We Trust

axtein@...
LaGrange, GA

http://ns1.dicomm.net/~axtein/dro


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