Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Balan <balan3@y...> wrote:
> Hi
>  
> I am just learning the art of PCB making. Can Someone tell me is it 
possible to transfer etch resist onto a board using Silk screen and 
if possible what is the difference between toner transfer methord and 
the silk screen.
>  
> Regards
> Balan


Hi Balan,

Just another point of view.

The toner and silk screen process begin the same.  layout if software.
then one has to create a printed output, again, both the same ?


For toner transfer, the next step, or series of steps is to heat the 
board, align the traces, add a backing material, add heat and 
pressure, inspect the heck out of the board.

One printout-one board.  100% of the print is used up in one board.

For silk screen, one has to get the print onto the screen.  This is 
probably the hardest part.  the higher quality on this step, the 
better boards later.

At this point the toner/iron and silk screen have close to the the 
same amout of work, but...

From this point, the silkscreen is a repetitive printing process so 
you can make multiple boards.

The photo resist method has a higher materials cost for the board, 
but is offset from the cost of the ink.  and clean up.

but, from the image transfer the boards pretty much all get the same 
chemical etch.

BUT...  And here's the HUGE benefit with silk screen, you are laready 
set up to add a COMPONENT silk screen layer !  And that is way ahead 
of the rest of us !

There are water slide papers to make decals, but those are between 
$1.00 and $2.00 per sheet 8x11 sheet.

The question would be one of your desires and skills and the 
materials available.  it may well be that silk screen is easily 
available and coated boards are not.

I have an engraver machine so every board is a one shot board.  If I 
need 50 or more boards, I'll go to a board house, for the quality and 
additional features.

Dave






> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]