Homebrew PCBs

On Sun, 03 Mar 2013 21:29:19 -0000
  "John" <jferrell13@...> wrote:
> 
> 
> I just cannot get the nerve to run the vinyl through my 
>HP 1102 Laser
> printer. It does work well with HP Presentation paper.

John,

When I run the (Avery A9 900 SUPERCAST OPAQUE 12 YEAR CAST 
FILMS) paper through the printer it comes out with crisp 
toner images on the (white, colored or transparent) vinyl. 
There is no discoloration, shrinkage or wrinkling on the 
stuff. After ironing the toner (with the paper backing 
still attached) onto the PCB there is a gold/grey stain 
left on the vinyl from the copper, and I have wanted to 
run it through the printer again just to see if I could 
reuse it again several times. But it is so cheap (24" wide 
x 30 feet @ $62)that it isn't worth the time to 
experiment.

As I said earlier I get all my 4"x6" material from the 
offal of a sign shop. Almost ANY sign shop would let you 
have all you need. There are many brands and my friend 
suggested that the peel-off shelving vinyl would probably 
work. I have NOT tried that.

Anyway, it is fantastic to peel the vinyl away from the 
copper and have a perfect image, ready to etch. If you 
haven't tried the Muriatic acid - Hydrogen Peroxide 
etchant you will be delighted. It's cheap, clear... you 
can watch the copper being dissolved... at room 
temperature... and no bad fumes. Reusable for awhile and 
easy to dispose.

Happy PCBs,

Earl