Homebrew PCBs

The unknown question is what type of laser and what power.  This gentleman
is using a UV laser and documenting his progress.  

http://gabuleu.blogspot.com/

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] 
Sent: Monday, January 25, 2016 10:40 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Vinyl mask, laser paint removal (was:Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plastic
Resist From 3D Printer?)

  


On 1/25/2016 2:52 PM, Bob Butcher bbutcher85@... [Homebrew_PCBs] 
wrote:
>
>
> --------------------------------------------
> On Mon, 1/25/16, palciatore@... [Homebrew_PCBs] 
> <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
>
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Plastic Resist From 3D Printer?
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Monday, January 25, 2016, 12:32 PM
>
> I think ;this could work if the resolution is good enough. I have 
> tried a variety of things for etch resist, from electrical tape to 
> spray paint and indelible marker ink. Most of these are kind of 
> difficult to apply where you want them, and only the spray paint 
> really worked well at preventing etching. One idea someone came up 
> with was using a CNC vinyl cutter to produce a pattern that could be 
> stuck on. Certainly worth a try!
>
> Bob
>
Hello--

Not knowing anything about the vinyl mask method of PC board 
fabrication, I went looking and found an explanation on
Instructables:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fast-and-Easy-PCB-Prototyping-with-Vinyl/

Reading down in the comment stream, I noted this: "...I have tried the 
laser ablation method and it works wonders.
I just cover my board with matt spray paint up to 3 coats and then laser 
etch away the color that
needs to be exposed as copper.

The success of this process [vinyl mask] is highly dependant on a good 
solid stickiness of vinyl to copper.
on straight planar surfaces, its never a problem, but its worthwhile to 
recheck that it has no bubbles.

vinyl is also stretchy when a little heat is applied, so make sure you 
don't squeege it too hard.
as an alternate, can we have the opposite parts weeded so that tracks 
are exposed, then spray
paint as a stencil, remove the vinyl and then etch?...." (comment by 
rupin.chheda)

One thing that's unclear (and likely hardware-dependent) is the minimum 
trace width and pad spacing
capability of this method for consistent results. Based on example 
photos, DIP layouts seem feasible.

Has anyone in the group tried this method?

73--

Brad AA1IP