I normally etch my own PCBs using Photoresist PCBs, an Inkjet printer and some inkjet transparency. This works brilliantly apart from having to wait for hours for the ink to dry (otherwise it sticks to the PCB). I can speed up the process by heating the film but it still takes its time.
I won a pack of Colour Laser transparencies off Ebay some time ago and have been meaning to try them with the photoresist PCBs but having printed off a sheet a few weeks ago didn't feel they would be up to it as the density was touch and go.
I had a batch of circuit boards to make today so cut off a spare bit, knocked up a test print on the laser printer and exposed the board for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes with a bit of card used as shielding over the unexposed areas.
I have to admit the results weren't as bad as I expected them to be. The boards are certainly good enough for prototypes.
I can now get a board from the CAD/PCB design package to fully etched in 20 minutes![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Heres a picture of the finished board - the transparencies used were Viking Colour Laser films on a Samsumg CLP-300 colour laser. The films were £5 delivered off Ebay and the printer was only £99.
I won a pack of Colour Laser transparencies off Ebay some time ago and have been meaning to try them with the photoresist PCBs but having printed off a sheet a few weeks ago didn't feel they would be up to it as the density was touch and go.
I had a batch of circuit boards to make today so cut off a spare bit, knocked up a test print on the laser printer and exposed the board for 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes with a bit of card used as shielding over the unexposed areas.
I have to admit the results weren't as bad as I expected them to be. The boards are certainly good enough for prototypes.
I can now get a board from the CAD/PCB design package to fully etched in 20 minutes
Heres a picture of the finished board - the transparencies used were Viking Colour Laser films on a Samsumg CLP-300 colour laser. The films were £5 delivered off Ebay and the printer was only £99.