PCB with laser printer

[Osvaldo de Banfield]

I was reading about to make a PCB using a printed paper in a laser printer, and to transfer the ink using a hot iron.

Do anybody try or used this? How good is the result?

Any suggestion, are welcomed.

 

[ArtG]

Yes, it is done, apparently on a regular basis by some who achieve good results.
After trying a number of different types of laser paper with less-than-optimal results, I found a product that is specifically made for laser transfers onto copper boards. By using "Techniks Press-n-Peel PnP-BLUE Printed Circuit Board Transfer Film for Laser Printers and Photocopiers", I've been able to create acceptable transfers.

Nevertheless, I've found that the process is tricky since it's difficult to control the heat on most clothes irons, and the amount of heating time and pressure needed involves trial and error.

There is an excellent tutorial available on the web, from David Cook, as a help system for users of his (free- for home users) drawing program: Copper Connection. There is a lot of good advice at his website if you "look around".

Best Results for Home Etching PCBs - Robot Room

David Cook's Robot Room: Robotics, Circuits, and Machining

The site leans heavily toward "building robots", but the techniques for creating boards for other purposes is essentially the same.

 

[mlloyd1]

I've had inconsistent results with a clothes iron. I even tried a couple of different ones.
So, I bought a laminator. Frankly, it works so well that I'm a little miffed that I waited so long to try it! I bought the Apache AL13P (scroll down on this page: Apache Laminators). At the time, it was about $70 (USD), I think.
With a very clean board, it doesn't even seem to be so touchy about what paper is used to transfer the toner from.

good luck,
mlloyd1

 

[mlloyd1]

forgot to mention i used my ancient (1994?) HP 4P Laserjet.
i try to use only toner cartridges from HP, but I think my results mentioned above were actually not using HP toner.

mlloyd1

 

[Osvaldo de Banfield]

Ok, thanks for the inputs. Is it better to use negative plus UV films for better results?

The problem is that here in Buenos Aires, it is difficult to get a photocopier that makes negative copies. And my old Autotrax 1.61 appear rthat doesn't make negatives.

 

[mlloyd1]

i just use the same basic "laserjet toner approach" that's talked about everywhere.
nothing with that sensitized boards and negatives. i just use a laminator instead of an iron and make sure the pcbs are very clean before applying the toner artwork.

i use diptrace and there are free and low cost versions: Download DipTrace - DipTrace

mlloyd1