Homebrew PCBs

On Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:02:46 EDT, you wrote:

>I am trying to make PC boards using the laser printer/laminator  technique. 
> I am using an HP P1102w laser printer, GBC H220 laminator and  Pulsar 
>paper.  So far I have used a couple of sheets of paper with nothing  to show for 
>it except a dish full of floating traces.  Has anyone else used  this 
>method?  I have the printer set at density 5 (max) and heavy paper  (for the 
>Pulsar paper).  I have run the boards through the laminator from 2  to 5 times 
>with little change in the results.  The paper floats off the  board along 
>with most of the traces.  The circuit I'm trying to produce is  an LM317 
>voltage regulator with about a dozen components.  Suggestions  would be most 
>appreciated.

If it floats off, then either insufficient heat or dirty boards.

The printer setups look right, I'll assume the proper toner.

Tip #1:

To avoid wasting expensive paper:  Print a board outline (center all,
1x), details do not matter, but have the dimension on the printout.

Tape a small piece (covers board + 1/2 inch) of pulsar paper to the
paper over the layout.  Extend the board outline (pencil is ok) to
center the board.  Saves lots of paper.

Tip #2: just about the first trip through the laminator (which ought
to be to proper temperature), the paper ought to stick to the board at
least partially.  If it doesn't, then your laminator may not be hot
enough.  If it has adjustable settings, set it to the highest (foil).
I do 8 passes for paper on .030 board.  I also (not needed perhaps),
turn the board over so that the lower roller gets to heat the paper
directly half the time.

Tip #3:  Clean the boards with comet/bonami, sand lightly with 1000 or
1200 grit wet/dry paper.  Wear gloves.  Degrease with acetone (your
choice).  This gets all the debris off.  Handle with gloves only to
avoid oil on the board.

Hope this helps.

Harvey

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>Bill
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