Homebrew PCBs

Hi everyone,

I've started making PCB's using the toner transfer method. The results are
quite good but I have a problem:
How can I remove the toner from the PCB after etching? I've been using
scraping/sanding methods with hawfull results. After etching the PCB looks
great, almost like it has made in a factory, when removing the toner many
tracks and pad's become damaged or even removed, no matter how carefull I'm.
Using soft sanding paper takes FOREVER to remove it all.

How about using normal paper to 'capture' the toner again in another heat
pressing method?

Does anyone have a good method, or sugestion to make, that doesn't damage
the copper?

Thank you

Nuno T.
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----- Original Message ----- 

From: "nuno-t" <nuno-t@...>
To: "Homebrew PCB's group" <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 10:29 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Toner transfer problem


> Hi everyone,
>
> I've started making PCB's using the toner transfer method. The results are
> quite good but I have a problem:
> How can I remove the toner from the PCB after etching? I've been using
> scraping/sanding methods with hawfull results. After etching the PCB looks
> great, almost like it has made in a factory, when removing the toner many
> tracks and pad's become damaged or even removed, no matter how carefull
I'm.
> Using soft sanding paper takes FOREVER to remove it all.

Just use a suitable solvent; cellulose paint thinner works very well and is
easy to obtain from any car accessories shop. Moisten a small wad of ktchen
towel with it and rub the board, the toner will come off immediately.

Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM
Email: aqzf13@...
My low-cost Philips LPC210x ARM development system:
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller/lpc2104.html

Thanks Leon,

I also find out that any kind of paint solvent will do, just takes a little
more or less time and rubbing to clean it all. No damage to the copper.
Great tip! :)

Nuno T.

-----Original Message-----
From: Leon Heller [mailto:leon_heller@...]
Sent: s\ufffdbado, 20 de Dezembro de 2003 10:34
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Toner transfer problem

Just use a suitable solvent; cellulose paint thinner works very well and is
easy to obtain from any car accessories shop. Moisten a small wad of ktchen
towel with it and rub the board, the toner will come off immediately.

Leon

---
Outgoing mail is AVG certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.552 / Virus Database: 344 - Release Date: 15-12-2003

I have a problem:
> How can I remove the toner from the PCB after etching? 

My solvent of choice is Acetone. I bought a quart at the local 
hardware store for a few dollars. Nail polish remover also works 
well.

Myc

The acetone i had evaporized out of the closed can.
(tin can with plastic lid, it was sold in there so one should assume it 
stays in)
Since that i try to substitute it with other thinners.

I also read acetone is toxic and absorbed through the skin.
(can't be that terrible if it is used in nail polish remover?)

ST


On Sat, 20 Dec 2003 13:13:49 -0000, mycroft2152 <mycroft2152@...> 
wrote:

> I have a problem:
>> How can I remove the toner from the PCB after etching?
>
> My solvent of choice is Acetone. I bought a quart at the local hardware 
> store for a few dollars. Nail polish remover also works well.
>
> Myc
>

laquer thinner works. just douse the board aand rub
with a paint brush.




--- nuno-t <nuno-t@...> wrote:
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I've started making PCB's using the toner transfer
> method. The results are
> quite good but I have a problem:
> How can I remove the toner from the PCB after
> etching? I've been using
> scraping/sanding methods with hawfull results. After
> etching the PCB looks
> great, almost like it has made in a factory, when
> removing the toner many
> tracks and pad's become damaged or even removed, no
> matter how carefull I'm.
> Using soft sanding paper takes FOREVER to remove it
> all.
> 
> How about using normal paper to 'capture' the toner
> again in another heat
> pressing method?
> 
> Does anyone have a good method, or sugestion to
> make, that doesn't damage
> the copper?
> 
> Thank you
> 
> Nuno T.
> ---
> Outgoing mail is AVG certified Virus Free.
> Checked by AVG anti-virus system
> (http://www.grisoft.com).
> Version: 6.0.552 / Virus Database: 344 - Release
> Date: 15-12-2003
> 
> 


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On Sat, 20 Dec 2003 07:05:16 -0800 (PST), pebo festus <mebo31@...> 
wrote:

> laquer thinner works. just douse the board aand rub
> with a paint brush.
>
>

Or take a paper towel or old rag or something, make a corner wet with 
thinner
and rub with that.
It is faster if you first make a wipe over the whole board (to get it wet)
and then start at a corner rubbing. the solvent needs time to soften the 
toner.

ST

The two best solvents that I use to remove the toner from etched 
boards are:

1.  Energine Spot Remover (A dry-cleaning fluid)

and 

2.  Goof Off (A paint remover)

Both are availible at hardware stores.

My preference is the Energine Spot Remover as it works INSTANTLY.  
Like the others have posted, wet a portion of paper towel with the 
solvent and gently rub the toner.  It will immediately dissolve the 
toner (in a single pass).  I like this solvent best because it dries 
cleanly and almost instantly.  The Goof Off is almost as effective, 
but it may take more than one swipe with the paper towel and it 
doesn't dry as quickly.

Just my $0.02

John

Thanks Leon and all,

Has you all said, any kind of paint solvent, thinner or even acetone will
do, I've tested quite a few, just takes a little
more or less time and rubbing to clean it all. I only have to decide wich
one his faster and/or economic. No damage to the copper.
Great tip! :)

Nuno T.

-----Original Message-----
From: Leon Heller [mailto:leon_heller@...]
Sent: s\ufffdbado, 20 de Dezembro de 2003 10:34
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Toner transfer problem

Just use a suitable solvent; cellulose paint thinner works very well and is
easy to obtain from any car accessories shop. Moisten a small wad of ktchen
towel with it and rub the board, the toner will come off immediately.

Leon

---
Outgoing mail is AVG certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.552 / Virus Database: 344 - Release Date: 15-12-2003