Photofabrication vs Toner Transfer

[Canabots]

I have finally decided that I want to start creating my own PCBs (perf-boards are becoming tedious). Though I would like an opinion from you guys with the best method to transfer the circuit design to the copper clad board.

Toner: I know a lot of people endorse this choice because of it's simplicity. My problem is that I don't own a laser printer, which I've heard is required to transfer the toner onto the transfer paper. My library might have one, as well as some nearby stores. (If someone knows of a way to use this method, but utilising an Inkjet printer, please let me know).

Photofab: This I can do from home (since I could use my printer), but I am curious whether the quality differs from the toner transfer method. There's also a question about the additional cost of buying the sensitized PCBs and the extra chemicals, as well as the exposure system. Would this method be better?

All I want is an opinion, or suggestions, if you have them.

Many thanks in advance!

[Soeren]

Hi,

(If someone knows of a way to use this method, but utilising an Inkjet printer, please let me know).

Print on the inkjet, then make a photo copy.

Photofab: This I can do from home (since I could use my printer), but I am curious whether the quality differs from the toner transfer method. There's also a question about the additional cost of buying the sensitized PCBs and the extra chemicals, as well as the exposure system. Would this method be better?

Photo transfer cannot be compared to toner transfer. The latter is a hobby tinkerers way of trying to achieve a PCB, while photo transfer is the pro method of making them. 10 mil traces are possible with even a modest setup, try that with toner transfer...

[blackbeard]

Hi,


Print on the inkjet, then make a photo copy.

i hadn't thought of that. that's actually a really good idea. now suppose i didn't have access to the photocopier's tray would the regular paper be usable?

[Canabots]

Thanks Soeren.

My worries about printing, and then photocopying is that I'll lose the quality of the design...unless I shouldn't have those worries? 

As for photofab, I think I'll go with that, since a local electronics store has a nice starting kit that looks like a good deal, though of course, if anyone has anymore opinions, please share them!

i hadn't thought of that. that's actually a really good idea. now suppose i didn't have access to the photocopier's tray would the regular paper be usable?

As far as I know, you need to use semi-gloss, gloss, or some special PCB paper via a Laser printer, in order to have the toner transfer.

[dunk]

i hadn't thought of that. that's actually a really good idea. now suppose i didn't have access to the photocopier's tray would the regular paper be usable?

As far as I know, you need to use semi-gloss, gloss, or some special PCB paper via a Laser printer, in order to have the toner transfer.

my best results using the toner-transfer method have been using the backing paper from sticky labels.
you need a paper that the toner will not stick to.

ordinary plain paper will definitely not work.

with practice you can get good results, even down to 10 mil traces...
but it takes a lot of time and effort to find a combination of printer and paper that works together. even once you have that done really fine traces will only work half the time.

so yea, if you don't need great resolution or
if your born with the masochist's gene and really like doing things the hard way toner-transfer works fine but
since you don't have access to a laser printer there are probably better options for you.


dunk.

[Soeren]

Hi,

Back around 1985, I had to make some SMD PCBs and here's how I made them:
Print design in 2:1 (on a 9 needle matrix printer).
Touch up the print out with a pen.
Photo copy it down in two steps, with an overshoot of toner on the second run.
Rinse PCB thoroughly.
Iron it on with a clothes iron.
Soak the "sandwich" for a day in initially warm water with a drop of detergent.
Carefully remove the paper.
Etch.
It was done with regular copying paper, but the PCBs was small, as they had to go into a DB15 connector housing.

So, it can be done, but I'd rather not


Now if you could find a LASER printer with a linear paper feed (or make one), you could bake the toner directly onto the (clean) PCB.