gnupic: finally, pcb artwork transfer working
Subject:
finally, pcb artwork transfer working
From:
David McNab ####@####.####
Date:
2 Jun 2005 14:44:08 +0100
Message-Id: <429F0D1F.50305@rebirthing.co.nz>
Hi folks,
Thanks muchly to those who responded with helpful comments to my earlier
emails re getting artwork onto a PCB.
After numerous attempts, trying all kinds of things suggested earlier
and otherwise, I've finally hit on a recipe that's working for me:
1) make an aluminium sheet 'folder' from a soft-drink or beer can, by:
- cutting the ends off
- cutting along the edge
- opening/flattening the sheet
- folding the sheet in half
this 'folder' is re-usable
2) laser-print artwork onto plain white blank A4/letter sheet,
preferably centred onto the sheet
3) cut a small rectangle of inkjet photo gloss card, a bit bigger than
the pcb, adding 1cm to the top edge (relative to the orientation of the
artwork on the printed sheet)
4) place the rectangle of photo gloss card on top of the artwork image
on the paper printout, securing with invisible tape at the leading edge
5) place in paper tray of printer and print again
6) ensure the artwork printed cleanly and properly aligned on the
rectangle photo gloss card
7) remove the photo gloss card carefully, not touching the printed side
8) measure and cut the blank pcb to required size/shape
9) crucial - scrub the pcb with a green kitchen scourer and rinse
10) crucial - scrub the pcb with toothpaste on a tissue, paying special
attention to corners and edges, rinse and dry with a clean dry tissue
11) place the photo gloss card onto the freshly cleaned PCB, wrapping
the spare 1cm edge around the edge of the PCB. Place this inside
the aluminium 'folder' (see (1))
12) take a hot iron, and slide the edge along the aluminium folder in
repeated motions going from the 'fold' to the opposite edge, making sure
to apply pressure/heat/time to all areas of the board
13) after 2-3 minutes of ironing, open the aluminium 'folder', take the
PCB+card and, while still hot, /carefully/ and slowly peel off the
gloss card
14) if there are any gaps in the artwork (there should be very few or
none), fix with an etch resist pen
15) etch the board with ferric chloride or your favourite etching
chemical, drill, populate, test, enjoy
--
Cheers
David
