Homebrew PCBs

On Thu, 26 May 2005 22:26:57 +0200, Robert Hedan  
<robert.hedan@...> wrote:

> Has anyone figured out how to align the 2 sides for single-pass transfer  
> for
> 2-layer PCBs?
> Silicone is non-stick, I'm not sure how to keep the 2 sheets aligned  
> through
> the laminator.
> Robert


luckily, if you coat the pages with high-temp silicone yourself it is  
everything but non-stick, you can't slide a page coated in that way  
against a smooth surface. (Kind of like the rubber mats for old people to  
put in the bathtub so they don't slip).


But, my method of choice uses a sheet of heavy paper (thin cardboard) that  
is folded in the center.

Your printouts must have a 3cm+ excess paper on one edge (same edge).

Align your printouts against a light source, no pcb inserted or anyting.  
hold together with right hand on the center of the printouts.
Now open the folded cardboard with left hand, and put the printouts in it  
with the excess paper in the fold. hold the things together, from the  
outside of the cardboard, over the excess paper. now open the printouts up  
and slide PCB in (take care to get the component legend on the non-copper  
side if you do one side copper and one side legend, don't ask...). now  
hold together over the PCB (from outide the cardboard) and feed into fuser  
with folded edge first.

I usually give it a second run without the cardboard, for the added  
thickness makes the heating take longer (I turn the thing over for the  
second run).

It works well.

What i wonder sometimes is if it would be easier to sand one edge of the  
board to a centered sharp edge and simply fold the paper over..

ST