Re: DIY PCBs

On May 5, 11:36 am, Richard Swaby <resw...@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Mon, 04 May 2009 20:20:51 -0700, John Larkin



<jjlar...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Mon, 4 May 2009 19:50:33 -0700 (PDT), Alan <devi...@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Tried using the Press-n-Peel PCB transfer film fromhttp://www.techniks.com/
but can't get the film to come out of either of my laser printers
without being a crinkled mess. :-(  In most cases the film just gets
stuck around the fused roller, requiring me to remove the fuser from
the printer and remove the film.

This Press-n-Peel fil ain't cheap.

Anyone go any experience with this product?  Any hints of waht to tyry
or alternative transfer techniques would be most appreciated.

Thanks

You can get a few small 2-sided, plated-through boards for $50 or so.
It's not worth the mess of making your own boards.

John

I've been making one off boards for years with photo resist board. I
don't use any other method to prototype a circuit these days. If
you're pushed for time it's a lot better than waiting a for boards
from a PCB house. Single sided are a breeze and double sided aren't
difficult even with ground planes.  I can have a 3x3 inch board etched
and drilled in an hour or so.

If you use GC-Prevue to import the Gerber and Excellon files you can
check your artwork and print onto inkjet film if it's OK.  You can get
a good contact print if you hold the film and photo board between 2
sheets of glass with bulldog clips and expose for about 5 minutes.
Develop with NaOH and etch with FeCl3. Drilling the holes is easy. The
drill finds the centre of the pads just like it would with a
centre-punch mark. For a really good PCB you can use tin plate
solution to finish off.

Richard

Richard,
I just sent you an email but it got kicked back, so I will try to
contact you through here....
======================================
Mr. Swaby,
I just saw your May5 response to a discussion about making your own
PCB boards.
http://groups.google.com/group/sci.electronics.design/browse_thread/thread/151e34f311b3f01a?hl=en#

I have designed PCBs for years and I used to run a PCB design
department. I now run my own electronic design business and I would
like to be able to fabricate my own PCB prototypes. I agree with some
of the people that ordering them from a low quantity PCB house is
nice, but as you pointed out waiting for the turn-time (or paying
expedite) is the issue.

Where are you located? Would you be willing to train me and my PCB
designer how to make your own boards with photo-etching, etc? I can
pay you. I was thinking of getting one of these "rapid prototyping"
systems, but I'm not sure...
http://www.lpkf.com/products/rapid-pcb-prototyping/index.htm

I hope to hear from you.
Respectfully,
Steve French
814.584.1220.office
814.730.0003.cell

President, Volt Vision
www.voltvision.com
.

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