Homebrew PCBs

Hi Robert,

The Pulsar system is a well thought out and marketed
process, using pretty much standard components. There
are few important criteria for making successful toner
transfers.

Copperclad, must be clean and as thin as possible. The
thinner board  (1/64") has less mass to heat up and
reach the fusing temperature. More forgiving.

The laminator, for even heat and pressure, must run
slow enough and have a enough heat to bring the board
to temperature. by reversing the gears (per Pulsar)you
slow it down just enough. Also the laminator must be
able to handle the thickness of the board. Most are
designed for thin plastics. By slightly bevelling the
front edge of the pcb and feeding it in slightly
skewed, the laminator can grab it easier without the
groaning noises. That was the 'old' system. The new
laminator only accepts thinner boards.

Transfer paper. The transfer medium must hold the
toner well enough to prevent smudging durign the
handleing in the refusing process, But must releases
the toner easily when done. I other words, the toner
must be more adhesive to the paper, than  the toner is
adhesive to the copper.

Pulsar sells a laser foil type thermal transfer film.
This is generally used to apply gold seals to
documents. By running the pcb through the laminator
with this a second time, the toner pick ups the
metalization and  'seals' the toner. Actually, the
second pass helps smooth out the toner and fill in
small voids. The gold or green just makes it look
pretty.

Finally Pulsar suggests a "sponge' method for etching.
You basically wipe on the FeCl3 etchant with a sponge.
By continually wiping, you keep fresh etchant on the
copper. surprisingly, it does work and quickly, but it
is a PITA to keep rubbing the pcb. I'd rather throw it
it a bubbler tank.

Just some thoughts on the Pulsar System. For the
record, I am not involved with Pulsar in any way. Just
appreciate the thoroughness of their design.

Myc






--- Robert Hedan <robert.hedan@...> wrote:
> I just checked out Pulsar.gs and I have to admit I'm
> impressed by the
> quality they advertise, and the low cost of their
> supplies.  I'm putting in
> an order and going to test their products on my
> H300.
> 
> I also noticed they are using 1/64" PCB, I was using
> 1/32", no wonder the
> laminator was making horrid noises.  :D
> 
> Robert
> :)
> 
> 
> 
> -----Message d'origine-----
> De : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] De
> la part de frajopea
> Envoy\ufffd : juin 3 2005 19:46
> \ufffd : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Objet : [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: H200 Laminator
> 
> 
> Replying to my own post:
> 
> I followed the instructions by pulsar.gs and I have
> successfully transfered 
> my first pcb.
> 
> This is NOTHING like the clothes iron, the toner
> transfered in a single 
> pass. I can see myself making lots of boards like
> this :)
> 
> Fp
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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