Society of Robots - Robot Forum
Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: galannthegreat on February 08, 2009, 05:36:52 PM
-
Is it ok to use a clothes iron with the Green TRF?
Heres the stuff: http://www.pulsarprofx.com/PCB/a_Pages/4_Products/4b_TRF_Foils/TRF_Foils.html (http://www.pulsarprofx.com/PCB/a_Pages/4_Products/4b_TRF_Foils/TRF_Foils.html)
-
it is fine to use a clothes iron with that but don't apply to much heat because too much heat makes the plastic sheet melt.
-
Thanks frodo :)
-
I'm so excited, I'm goning to finish my bot today(excluding the full program)!
-
cool. post some pictures of it when your finished.
-
Yea, I definately will.
-
is it the robot that flips over?
-
no, it's my first one, but hopefully the same platfrom could be modded to do that later
-
@galannthegreat
When you're doing toner transfer you'll need to apply enough heat to melt the toner (the toner has a plastic component in it). When using an cloths iron you're supposed to set it to it's MAXIMUM temperature, with the steam OFF. Using the cloths iron is usually how this transfer is done: there are other solutions, like using speciality presses (the Press-n-Peal guys sell such a press) or passing the PCB+Film throw a modified laminating machine.
@frodo
it is fine to use a clothes iron with that but don't apply to much heat because too much heat makes the plastic sheet melt.
That film is designed to be used in a Laser printer. The laser printer has a oven inside that heats whatever passes throw it to a maximum of 200 C (according to some sources, it's difficult to find such details). I doubt they used an plastic that melts easily, they had to use a plastic that survives the laser printer. You can see proof of the existence of the oven in laser printing devices: have you noticed how paper out of laser printer is worm? Same is true for Xerox-type machines.
-
i find setting my clothes iron to 180C works best. obviously this might be different for some different types of toner but try 180C as a starting point.
also i always put a sheet of plain paper between the iron and the sheet with the toner on it. this way your iron will not get anything stuck on it if anything does melt.
dunk.
-
IF you have a cheap Brother laser printer - then beware. The Brother cartridges are useless for toner transfer - as I learned to my cost. In which case buy a 'Brother compatible' cartridge.
When using Press'n'Peel I always get the best results by setting the iron to its max temperature. Also make sure you clean the board very well beforehand. Go over the copper with fine cotton wool, wipe it with a clean dry cloth until no more dirt comes off. Then use 'paint brush cleaner' or similar to get rid of any grease. Cant tell you how important preparation is. Sometimes Ive tried to rush it and the toner just doesn't stick to the board.