PCB Making instructions
On the internet are a lot of sites with PCB etching instructions, and after doing some research we ordered some blank PCB's.
We used the instructions of Newtone.nl (dutch site).
We can call ourselves experienced DIY PCB makers so here are some instructions:
You wil need:
1 flatiron
blank PCB's
thin inkjet glossy photo paper
1 laser printer
PCB layouts (upside down so the right side is up after tranfering the layout)
abrasive (VIM)
scourer
Etchant
acetone
0.8 mm drills
drill
Step 1:
Take A blank PCB and sand it down using the scourer and abrasive. make shure you do
it right because this is very important for the toner to transfer right. the color of the
copper should be lighter. when your done you need to defat the PCB using acetone.
Step 2:
Print the PCB layout on the thinnest glossy inkjet photo paper you can find. Make shure you print
it upside down so the right side is up when the toner is transfered. You need to use a Laserprinter
because of the toner. Toner will not liquefy in the etchant. The reason you use inkjet paper is to
make shure the toner does not attach good and can be tranfered on to the blank PCB.
Step 3:
Paste the paper with a piece of tape on to the PCB, as you can see on the pictures.
Iron the pcb about 10 minutes long so it gets really hot and the toner will be transfered.
Then you need to put it in lukewarm water for 5 minutes and you can get the paper off.
Step 4:
When the toner is transfered right you can start etching (if the transfer didn't go right you can draw the broken lines with permanent marker or just decide to sand the PCB down again and start over).
WARNING: Be careful with etching and etchants! use Inhalation protection,Protection glasses,
old and thick clothes, gloves and do a lot of research before you start etching!
step 5:
wash off the toner using acetone and drill the holes with 0.8 mm drills.
I hope this is helpfull and if you have questions feel free to email me! (message box is on the bottom of this page). Here are some more pictures including our magic christmas etching palace!
