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Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-15 by william casselberry

I’m a relative noob trying to prototype a computer keyboard project where my
PCBs are about 12”x6”. They are single sided and have only 14 surface mount components but
these are really small. I would appreciate any advice from you guys with
experience with big boards and small components.
 
I have two substrates I am working with; .008" FR4 and
Pyralux. I am trying to do toner transfer using Office Depot “glossy text”
paper, but that paper shrinks about 1% when heated, so the toner is not
sticking properly in some spots and the Pyralux is actually wrinkling in the
laminator due to paper shrink.
 
More details about my project here:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40111

Thanks


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-15 by Dave Wade

On Apr 15, 2013 5:30 AM, "william casselberry" <wcasse@...> wrote:
>
> I�m a relative noob trying to prototype a computer keyboard project where
my
> PCBs are about 12�x6�. They are single sided and have only 14 surface
mount components but
> these are really small. I would appreciate any advice from you guys with
> experience with big boards and small components.
>
> I have two substrates I am working with; .008" FR4 and
> Pyralux. I am trying to do toner transfer using Office Depot �glossy text�
> paper, but that paper shrinks about 1% when heated, so the toner is not
> sticking properly in some spots and the Pyralux is actually wrinkling in
the
> laminator due to paper shrink.
>
> More details about my project here:
> https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40111
>
> Thanks
>
I can't see the geekhack page, but if they are small smd devices with few
pins I would make carriers to allow them to go in normal IC sockets.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and
Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-15 by n0tt1@...

I think the root of the problem is the paper you are using.
The best paper I've used so far for laser transfer is "regular"
ink jet paper.  I.e., not heavy "photo" paper or the glossy stuff
either.  Try to get a few sheets from a friend and try it out rather
than spending $$ on a new package.

Charlie

On Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:18:52 +0100 Dave Wade <dave.g4ugm@...>
writes:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> On Apr 15, 2013 5:30 AM, "william casselberry" <wcasse@...> 
> wrote:
> >
> > I\ufffdm a relative noob trying to prototype a computer keyboard 
> project where
> my
> > PCBs are about 12\ufffdx6\ufffd. They are single sided and have only 14 
> surface
> mount components but
> > these are really small. I would appreciate any advice from you 
> guys with
> > experience with big boards and small components.
> >
> > I have two substrates I am working with; .008" FR4 and
> > Pyralux. I am trying to do toner transfer using Office Depot 
> \ufffdglossy text\ufffd
> > paper, but that paper shrinks about 1% when heated, so the toner 
> is not
> > sticking properly in some spots and the Pyralux is actually 
> wrinkling in
> the
> > laminator due to paper shrink.
> >
> > More details about my project here:
> > https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40111
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> I can't see the geekhack page, but if they are small smd devices 
> with few
> pins I would make carriers to allow them to go in normal IC 
> sockets.
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, 
> and
> Photos:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------
> 
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> 
> 
> 
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-15 by ve7su

Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160

There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY

Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!

Jim
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, n0tt1@... wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I think the root of the problem is the paper you are using.
> The best paper I've used so far for laser transfer is "regular"
> ink jet paper.  I.e., not heavy "photo" paper or the glossy stuff
> either.  Try to get a few sheets from a friend and try it out rather
> than spending $$ on a new package.
> 
> Charlie
> 
> On Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:18:52 +0100 Dave Wade <dave.g4ugm@...>
> writes:
> > On Apr 15, 2013 5:30 AM, "william casselberry" <wcasse@...> 
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I�m a relative noob trying to prototype a computer keyboard 
> > project where
> > my
> > > PCBs are about 12�x6�. They are single sided and have only 14 
> > surface
> > mount components but
> > > these are really small. I would appreciate any advice from you 
> > guys with
> > > experience with big boards and small components.
> > >
> > > I have two substrates I am working with; .008" FR4 and
> > > Pyralux. I am trying to do toner transfer using Office Depot 
> > �glossy text�
> > > paper, but that paper shrinks about 1% when heated, so the toner 
> > is not
> > > sticking properly in some spots and the Pyralux is actually 
> > wrinkling in
> > the
> > > laminator due to paper shrink.
> > >
> > > More details about my project here:
> > > https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40111
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > I can't see the geekhack page, but if they are small smd devices 
> > with few
> > pins I would make carriers to allow them to go in normal IC 
> > sockets.
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, 
> > and
> > Photos:
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > 
> > 
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ------------------------------------
> > 
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and 
> > Photos:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> > 
> > 
> > 
> >
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-15 by william casselberry

sorry about the link, - not secure
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40111
 
the surface mount components are diode arrays - 1.5mm square with 7 pads.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-17 by wcasse

thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.

ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> 
> There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> 
> Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> 
> Jim

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-18 by ve7su

A tip when applying the Oracal 651 vinyl sticker to the paper.. especially with the large board you are dealing with... You will need to be careful you don't wrinkle the vinyl when sticking it to the paper before running it through your laser printer. I slowly start at one end and apply the vinyl to the paper at the same time I'm peeling off the backing of the Oracal. Three hands would help here! Once it's stuck to the paper, you will never get it off to smooth out any wrinkles so u must make sure there are NO wrinkles in the first place! Order a lighter colour of your Oracal. I use a bright yellow although the blue that's shown in the Youtube video works too. There is a transparent version available too but the "Vinyl Direct" company doesn't stock it. The transparent version would help when making double-sided boards. I've been told that this Oracal 651 product is used a lot by sign companies so scraps of it may be had for free from one of these shops. Anyway, let us know how this works for you.
Jim 

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.
> 
> ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> >
> > Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> > 
> > There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> > 
> > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> > 
> > Jim
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-19 by D

> Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to
> the copper foil using this stuff!

I get 100% toner transfer using HP inkjet transparencies.  An added advantage for transparencies is that you can observe toner melting if you use the iron method.

BR
Dennis

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-19 by David

Jim,
Sorry to butt in on this, but why not feed the vinyl through the printer with its original backing, then there is no risk of wrinkling, or am i missing something? I've tried this before but with a different type of vinyl and it fed through well.

David

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> A tip when applying the Oracal 651 vinyl sticker to the paper.. especially with the large board you are dealing with... You will need to be careful you don't wrinkle the vinyl when sticking it to the paper before running it through your laser printer. I slowly start at one end and apply the vinyl to the paper at the same time I'm peeling off the backing of the Oracal. Three hands would help here! Once it's stuck to the paper, you will never get it off to smooth out any wrinkles so u must make sure there are NO wrinkles in the first place! Order a lighter colour of your Oracal. I use a bright yellow although the blue that's shown in the Youtube video works too. There is a transparent version available too but the "Vinyl Direct" company doesn't stock it. The transparent version would help when making double-sided boards. I've been told that this Oracal 651 product is used a lot by sign companies so scraps of it may be had for free from one of these shops. Anyway, let us know how this works for you.
> Jim 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@> wrote:
> >
> > thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.
> > 
> > ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> > > 
> > > There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> > > 
> > > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> > > 
> > > Jim
> >
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-19 by ve7su

David,
Yes, you can do that but when u have a board that's much smaller than 8.5" by 11" (the size u would have to cut the vinyl for the laser printer), it's a waste of the Oracal 651. The easiest way to avoid wrinkles, other than ur suggestion, is to mark one end on the paper where the vinyl should go, cut a 1/2" or so strip of the vinyl paper backing off the one end, then lay the 1/2" exposed vinyl over your marks, use a flat surface to smooth the vinyl down as you slowly pull the vinyl paper backing off.
Jim

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David" <dgh2259@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Jim,
> Sorry to butt in on this, but why not feed the vinyl through the printer with its original backing, then there is no risk of wrinkling, or am i missing something? I've tried this before but with a different type of vinyl and it fed through well.
> 
> David
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> >
> > A tip when applying the Oracal 651 vinyl sticker to the paper.. especially with the large board you are dealing with... You will need to be careful you don't wrinkle the vinyl when sticking it to the paper before running it through your laser printer. I slowly start at one end and apply the vinyl to the paper at the same time I'm peeling off the backing of the Oracal. Three hands would help here! Once it's stuck to the paper, you will never get it off to smooth out any wrinkles so u must make sure there are NO wrinkles in the first place! Order a lighter colour of your Oracal. I use a bright yellow although the blue that's shown in the Youtube video works too. There is a transparent version available too but the "Vinyl Direct" company doesn't stock it. The transparent version would help when making double-sided boards. I've been told that this Oracal 651 product is used a lot by sign companies so scraps of it may be had for free from one of these shops. Anyway, let us know how this works for you.
> > Jim 
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@> wrote:
> > >
> > > thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.
> > > 
> > > ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.
> > > 
> > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> > > > 
> > > > There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> > > > 
> > > > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> > > > 
> > > > Jim
> > >
> >
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-20 by David

Jim,
Thanks for that, wasn't thinking the matter through, I should have recalled when I used the "press 'n peel" for smaller pcb's I used to print out on A4 plain paper then cut a piece of p n'p a cm or so bigger all round stick it over the print with bits of masking tape and re~print, maybe worth a try to do the same with the vinyl without taking the backing off, most printers will take pretty thick card so shouldn't present a problem.
David

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> David,
> Yes, you can do that but when u have a board that's much smaller than 8.5" by 11" (the size u would have to cut the vinyl for the laser printer), it's a waste of the Oracal 651. The easiest way to avoid wrinkles, other than ur suggestion, is to mark one end on the paper where the vinyl should go, cut a 1/2" or so strip of the vinyl paper backing off the one end, then lay the 1/2" exposed vinyl over your marks, use a flat surface to smooth the vinyl down as you slowly pull the vinyl paper backing off.
> Jim
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David" <dgh2259@> wrote:
> >
> > Jim,
> > Sorry to butt in on this, but why not feed the vinyl through the printer with its original backing, then there is no risk of wrinkling, or am i missing something? I've tried this before but with a different type of vinyl and it fed through well.
> > 
> > David
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > >
> > > A tip when applying the Oracal 651 vinyl sticker to the paper.. especially with the large board you are dealing with... You will need to be careful you don't wrinkle the vinyl when sticking it to the paper before running it through your laser printer. I slowly start at one end and apply the vinyl to the paper at the same time I'm peeling off the backing of the Oracal. Three hands would help here! Once it's stuck to the paper, you will never get it off to smooth out any wrinkles so u must make sure there are NO wrinkles in the first place! Order a lighter colour of your Oracal. I use a bright yellow although the blue that's shown in the Youtube video works too. There is a transparent version available too but the "Vinyl Direct" company doesn't stock it. The transparent version would help when making double-sided boards. I've been told that this Oracal 651 product is used a lot by sign companies so scraps of it may be had for free from one of these shops. Anyway, let us know how this works for you.
> > > Jim 
> > > 
> > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.
> > > > 
> > > > ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.
> > > > 
> > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> > > > > 
> > > > > There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> > > > > 
> > > > > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> > > > > 
> > > > > Jim
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-20 by tda7000

Which transparencies are those? (Do you have the HP product number?)

I would never dream of trying inkjet transparencies as I would expect them to completely melt in the printer's fuser. Did this myself once with some cheap transparencies that I suspect now were actually just sheets of plastic. Had to strip down my printer and carefully remove all the melted crap.


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "D" <dl5012@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to
> > the copper foil using this stuff!
> 
> I get 100% toner transfer using HP inkjet transparencies.  An added advantage for transparencies is that you can observe toner melting if you use the iron method.
> 
> BR
> Dennis
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-21 by D

Hi,

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "tda7000" <Tda7000@...> wrote:
>
> Which transparencies are those? (Do you have the HP product number?)

I bought them in bulk.
5962-0400
HP INK JET
CLEAR REM TOP STRIPE

Transfer pictures here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/photos/album/793762311/pic/2135995623/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc

> I would never dream of trying inkjet transparencies as I would
> expect them to completely melt in the printer's fuser.

I use a Lexmark Optra E+ with OEM and generic toner.

I suggest ironing a sample with a paper towel over it to see if it melts.

I've tried several injket transparencies.  On CompUAS brand, toner was nice and dark, but it didn't transfer as well.

BR
Dennis

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-21 by ve7su

David,
The trouble with that is that the paper backing on the vinyl is very thick compared with the vinyl itself. This could lead to problems when passing through a laminator and with trying to transfer heat through to the toner and to the PCB. This is especially true when doing a double sided board.
Jim

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David" <dgh2259@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> 
> Jim,
> Thanks for that, wasn't thinking the matter through, I should have recalled when I used the "press 'n peel" for smaller pcb's I used to print out on A4 plain paper then cut a piece of p n'p a cm or so bigger all round stick it over the print with bits of masking tape and re~print, maybe worth a try to do the same with the vinyl without taking the backing off, most printers will take pretty thick card so shouldn't present a problem.
> David
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> >
> > David,
> > Yes, you can do that but when u have a board that's much smaller than 8.5" by 11" (the size u would have to cut the vinyl for the laser printer), it's a waste of the Oracal 651. The easiest way to avoid wrinkles, other than ur suggestion, is to mark one end on the paper where the vinyl should go, cut a 1/2" or so strip of the vinyl paper backing off the one end, then lay the 1/2" exposed vinyl over your marks, use a flat surface to smooth the vinyl down as you slowly pull the vinyl paper backing off.
> > Jim
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David" <dgh2259@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Jim,
> > > Sorry to butt in on this, but why not feed the vinyl through the printer with its original backing, then there is no risk of wrinkling, or am i missing something? I've tried this before but with a different type of vinyl and it fed through well.
> > > 
> > > David
> > > 
> > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > A tip when applying the Oracal 651 vinyl sticker to the paper.. especially with the large board you are dealing with... You will need to be careful you don't wrinkle the vinyl when sticking it to the paper before running it through your laser printer. I slowly start at one end and apply the vinyl to the paper at the same time I'm peeling off the backing of the Oracal. Three hands would help here! Once it's stuck to the paper, you will never get it off to smooth out any wrinkles so u must make sure there are NO wrinkles in the first place! Order a lighter colour of your Oracal. I use a bright yellow although the blue that's shown in the Youtube video works too. There is a transparent version available too but the "Vinyl Direct" company doesn't stock it. The transparent version would help when making double-sided boards. I've been told that this Oracal 651 product is used a lot by sign companies so scraps of it may be had for free from one of these shops. Anyway, let us know how this works for you.
> > > > Jim 
> > > > 
> > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.
> > > > > 
> > > > > ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.
> > > > > 
> > > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > Jim
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-27 by timgmorris@att.net

I have used contact-brand standard shelf liner from kmart ($5 for 12"x24' roll) with good results (8 mil traces). I left comments about the process in the database, if interested...

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@...> wrote:
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>
> David,
> The trouble with that is that the paper backing on the vinyl is very thick compared with the vinyl itself. This could lead to problems when passing through a laminator and with trying to transfer heat through to the toner and to the PCB. This is especially true when doing a double sided board.
> Jim
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David" <dgh2259@> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > Jim,
> > Thanks for that, wasn't thinking the matter through, I should have recalled when I used the "press 'n peel" for smaller pcb's I used to print out on A4 plain paper then cut a piece of p n'p a cm or so bigger all round stick it over the print with bits of masking tape and re~print, maybe worth a try to do the same with the vinyl without taking the backing off, most printers will take pretty thick card so shouldn't present a problem.
> > David
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > >
> > > David,
> > > Yes, you can do that but when u have a board that's much smaller than 8.5" by 11" (the size u would have to cut the vinyl for the laser printer), it's a waste of the Oracal 651. The easiest way to avoid wrinkles, other than ur suggestion, is to mark one end on the paper where the vinyl should go, cut a 1/2" or so strip of the vinyl paper backing off the one end, then lay the 1/2" exposed vinyl over your marks, use a flat surface to smooth the vinyl down as you slowly pull the vinyl paper backing off.
> > > Jim
> > > 
> > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "David" <dgh2259@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Jim,
> > > > Sorry to butt in on this, but why not feed the vinyl through the printer with its original backing, then there is no risk of wrinkling, or am i missing something? I've tried this before but with a different type of vinyl and it fed through well.
> > > > 
> > > > David
> > > > 
> > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > A tip when applying the Oracal 651 vinyl sticker to the paper.. especially with the large board you are dealing with... You will need to be careful you don't wrinkle the vinyl when sticking it to the paper before running it through your laser printer. I slowly start at one end and apply the vinyl to the paper at the same time I'm peeling off the backing of the Oracal. Three hands would help here! Once it's stuck to the paper, you will never get it off to smooth out any wrinkles so u must make sure there are NO wrinkles in the first place! Order a lighter colour of your Oracal. I use a bright yellow although the blue that's shown in the Youtube video works too. There is a transparent version available too but the "Vinyl Direct" company doesn't stock it. The transparent version would help when making double-sided boards. I've been told that this Oracal 651 product is used a lot by sign companies so scraps of it may be had for free from one of these shops. Anyway, let us know how this works for you.
> > > > > Jim 
> > > > > 
> > > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > thanks missouri_ham and ve7su.
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > ink jet paper specific paper is difficult to find in any size other than 8.5x11 - my board is 11.8 inches. i will order a sheet or two of that 12 inch vinyl and let you know how it goes.
> > > > > > 
> > > > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "ve7su" <ve7su@> wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Yes, the root of the problem is the "paper" you are using. I have just recently found the best medium for toner transfer. It is Oracal 651 which is a vinyl sticker. It is available on ebay at a very reasonable price http://www.ebay.com/itm/12-x12-Gloss-Craft-Adhesive-Vinyl-Oracal-651-Silhouette-28-Colors-SAME-DAY-SHIP-/380452333884?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:CA:3160
> > > > > > > 
> > > > > > > There is a YouTube "How to use" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtmJdCBjwXY
> > > > > > > 
> > > > > > > Every bit of the toner from your laser printer gets transferred to the copper foil using this stuff!
> > > > > > > 
> > > > > > > Jim
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-27 by wcasse

i tried the Oracal 651 and got pretty good results, but found that my cheap laminator is not as good as my cheap iron. resolution down to about 7 mil. after running out of Oracal, i ran down to the home depot and picked up ... contact-brand (clear) shelf liner (kmart has a better price than the depot). results were better than any paper i have used so far, but not as good as the Oracal; resolution to about 10 mil. i really like that there is no residue on the toner. i might try parchment paper next.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "timgmorris@..." <timgmorris@...> wrote:
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>
> I have used contact-brand standard shelf liner from kmart ($5 for 12"x24' roll) with good results (8 mil traces). I left comments about the process in the database, if interested...
>

Re: Need advice for large PCB and sub-mini SMDs

2013-04-27 by timgmorris@att.net

That's good to know. I did notice on long small traces that i would get distortion but chalked this up to my iron being too hot. I tried using a cheap laminator, but i have a brother HL4040cdn, so a stock laminator doesn't get hot enough. I tried standard Reynolds parchment paper also, but I was never able to get any transfer using iron or laminator. I read about the oracal and had some old contact paper to try. It worked better than water soluble paper! I bought some clear stuff from kmart and the results were the best so far. I've since moved on to cheap photo-resist and LOVE it... unfortunately, they are only 6x8 sheets, so wouldn't work in this case.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wcasse" <wcasse@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> i tried the Oracal 651 and got pretty good results, but found that my cheap laminator is not as good as my cheap iron. resolution down to about 7 mil. after running out of Oracal, i ran down to the home depot and picked up ... contact-brand (clear) shelf liner (kmart has a better price than the depot). results were better than any paper i have used so far, but not as good as the Oracal; resolution to about 10 mil. i really like that there is no residue on the toner. i might try parchment paper next.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "timgmorris@" <timgmorris@> wrote:
> >
> > I have used contact-brand standard shelf liner from kmart ($5 for 12"x24' roll) with good results (8 mil traces). I left comments about the process in the database, if interested...
> >
>