Homebrew PCBs

I like the concept of toner transfer, but the paper is still a problem.  Unfortunately, most paper manufacturers put a lot of development effort into making their paper more resistant to water.

We are finding that using the Staples photo paper it takes about an hour of soaking and scrupbbing to get the bits of paper out from between the circuit tracks.  I thought .020" spacing would be sufficient to minimize this problem but it looks like I was wrong.  The scrubbing damages some traces thus requiring 30 minutes to an hour of inspection and touchup.  For a prototype this is fine, but we're looking at up to 50 4" x 6" boards per design.  Not one off, yet not enough for sending to a commercial shop.  Of course a small shop would be happy to run 2 or 3 panels but at prototyping rates.  So we're looking for a more reliable process.  

Ventilation is not a problem as we all have paint spraying facilities.  We found several silk screen material suppliers that had water based emulsions that are intended for home craft use.  So we're looking at as a potential alternative.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: mikezcnc 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 11:55 AM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Silk screen methods at home?



  I wonder why would anybody go that route? Paints use solvent and 
  solvents call for ventillation unless someone doesn't believe in it.

  Bottom line is, there is a perfect method of TT and I don't 
  understand why someone says that it is not fast enough-- are we 
  talking about  a contest of some kind??

  Then for people who need/want/must have more resolution, there is a 
  UV method, slightly more complex.

  But silk screen? I was around silk screen lab for a while and unless 
  you want to make PCBs on glass (for touch screens) or on ceramics 
  (have no idea why) then silk screen is not a good method for home use 
  unless someone enjoys an excercise in... futility.  Mike





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