PCB: toner transfer using acetone?

[Limhes]

I just (accidentally) read the following on wikipedia:

It can be used as an artistic agent; when rubbed on the back of a laser print or photocopy placed face-down on another surface and burnished firmly, the toner of the image is allowed to transfer to the destination surface.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetone#Other_uses

Would this be a good solution to transfer the toner to a blank PCB? I have no acetone at hand, but I will get some at school and try as soon as I have the opportunity.

The only use of it I can find on the board is in removing toner from the PCB.

[gtforme00]

I do not think it will transfer very sharp lines to the copper. It probably does, as they describe, leave an interesting artistic effect. I personally have had the best results with press-n-peel blue, although magazine paper works in a pinch.

[Limhes]

Hmm, could be. I'll try it though

[gtforme00]

Please post the results for us to know! I am interested in the outcome.

Good Luck,
David

[gootee]

Originally posted by Limhes
I just (accidentally) read the following on wikipedia:


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetone#Other_uses

Would this be a good solution to transfer the toner to a blank PCB? I have no acetone at hand, but I will get some at school and try as soon as I have the opportunity.

The only use of it I can find on the board is in removing toner from the PCB.

That's an interesting idea.

You might also want to experiment with diluting the acetone with isopropyl alcohol, if it dissolves the toner too much, instead of just allowing it to transfer. You need enough solvent action to release the toner, and to get it sticky-enough to adhere well to the copper, but not enough to deform it.

You will also probably need to experiment with how much burnishing pressure you use. It seems like the ideal solvent concentration might allow for fairly light pressure, which would also then help you to not deform the softened toner.

You will also have to worry about getting the toner to be completely released from whatever it was printed on, without having it tend to pull off of the copper. That might require experimenting with different types of paper.

I hope that you will let us know how it goes.

FYI: My toner-transfer PCB-making page is here:

http://www.fullnet.com/~tomg/gooteepc.htm