Homebrew PCBs

The program generating the tracks won't change the etch results.  Try a more dilute etchant, make sure the toner is well and truly bonded to the copper surface.  16 mil traces should not be a problem.

Donald.
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----- "msilv3r" <msilv3r@...> wrote:

> Thanks JP. I'm going to redo the tracks in Eagle and try it again.
> 
> To get the thermal transfer I used this paper from DigiKey:
> http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?vendor=0&keywords=182-1003-ND
> - I had tried 20 times prior using different transfer paper, like
> magazines and transparency paper. I was amazed at how easy the thermal
> paper worked. 
> 
> I then put it through a lamination a bunch of times.
> 
> I followed a video tutorial for the most part. There's a great video
> tutorial on how the entire etching process here:
> http://www.getlofi.com/?p=1997
> 
> -Mike
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "jp.gleyzes" <freedom2000@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> > 
> > The tracks were really small... and may be you let the etching too
> long time ?
> > 
> > By the way, how did you succeed in having such a beautiful transfer
> ?
> > 
> > I have spent hours this week end tying to toner transfer a pcb...
> unsuccessfully... Always some tracks missing...
> > And I tested 12 times...
> > 
> > JP
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "msilv3r" <msilv3r@> wrote:
> > >
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Thanks Slavko. I just did it and it certainly etched the copper
> well. A little too well. I thought the transfer looked great. However
> the etch took off the copper and then some. You can see pics of it
> here:
> > > 
> > > 
> > > This is the transfer on the PCB. Looks good in my opinion:
> http://www.msilverman.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0138.jpg
> > > 
> > > This is the finished etch. Looks horrible:
> > > http://www.msilverman.me/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/DSC_0142.jpg
> > > 
> > > I almost feel like I made the traces too small.. I made them .016
> inches. Any recommendations?
> > > 
> > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Slavko Kocjancic <eslavko@>
> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > msilv3r pravi:
> > > > > Hi. I'm new to this. I recently got some H202 and HCL from a
> chemical company. The H2O2 is 35%. I'm not sure what percentage the
> HCL is, however it's labeled "Hydrochloric Acid, 8, PG II." I don't
> know what ratio to use. Should I dilute the H202 with water? I'm
> worried about the combination turning into boiling water. Also, are
> lined latex gloves, the kind you use for kitchen cleaning, sufficient
> gloves? Does it matter which you pour in first? I plan on doing this
> outside. I have a plastic container for both the etching and the
> remaining enchant. 
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks.
> > > > > -Mike
> > > > >   
> > > > Just use 1:1:1 ratio and should be ok.
> > > > If HCl is diluted just little longer etching time will be.
> > > > 
> > > > Pour watter into bowl after that HCl and last H2O2. You need
> little 
> > > > amount of liquid just to cover board. Do not preheat anithing
> and do all 
> > > > the thing outside.
> > > >
> > >