Making PCB's

[Wendy]

Earlier on you could make pcb's using the toner transfer method. What you had to do is print the layout on a sheet of glossy photo paper, iron it, remove the paper and you could etch your board.
Due to manufacturers changing the paper this technique did not work anymore.

Because I have a CNC I first tried to make a board with my CNC. Altought the quality is good, you are a little bit limited when the tracks are very close together.


Well here is some good news, HP has made a new Color Laser Paper with a very good quality and one of my clients donated a package. So I decided to give it a go and here are the results.

The board is not yet 100 % ok but after etching I had a perfectly usable pcb. Keep in mind that this is a first trial with this paper and I'm convinced that an almost perfect board is possible. Not like a pcb manufacturer but enough for prototyping or quickly make one board.


Here is how I did it

-Print the layout in black on the paper.
-Put the paper on the pcb and iron it for a few minutes. The paper is now glued to the pcb.
-Now, do not touch anything, just let the board and paper cool of.
-Gently put the board with the paper in water and let it disolve. This can take some time. Do not rush.
-After the paper comes of, clean the last pieces of paper with a little methanol.

The board is now ready to be etched.


Below a few pictures


Regards, Wendy

[Hessel Oosten]

Always ***QUALITY*** Wendy !

Y're a great technician.
The inspiring effect of these messages is great for this communty.
Thanks.

Hessel

[Wendy]

Thanks Hessel,

It always makes me happy when I can share something. Nice to give something in return for all the wonderfull ideas that pass by here.


Regards, Wendy

[flatlandpilot]

Nice work Wendy, thanks for sharing.
Do you drill the holes with the router afterwards ?

[nricky]

Hi Wendy

Your are to cool.

Cheers Norbert

[pdpo]

Wendy,

thanks for the tip ...
any idea where we can buy this in belgium?

Greetz Peter
Eeklo, Belgium

[Wendy]

Hi Peter,

I think I can buy some through my customer, and if you want some I'm not that far from you. I will inform but I'm on holiday now and will be back in Belgium on "Donderdag" evening.

Just let me know.

Regards Wendy

[pdpo]

Hi Wendy,

if I can buy it here in belgium that would be nice to know where?
If I cant, and you have some at your place, I can always pass by ... Bazel isnt that far from Antwerp, where I work.

Greetz Peter

[Wendy]

Hey Peter,

Just got home from a short holiday. If you want to pass by to pick some up, you are always welcome. PM me and I'll give you my address.

Regards, Wendy

[iwik]

Hi Wendy,
Thanks for the imfo.Ive used what they call Press n peel.Had trouble getting the right pressure when ironing.A problem with fine tracks.
Was there any manufacturers code number on this paper.Would like to try some,would help if there was some number i could use to ensure
i obtain the same as you used.
Best regards
les