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my pcb toner transfer scale problem

Posted by mocamba 
my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 16, 2014 07:28PM
Hello to every brave electronics reprappers around trying to make it to the bottom of things,
i live in Paris France and I wish to make a gen7 v 1.5 from scratch.
I have a problem with the scale of the gen 7 v1.5 design that I got from the gitHub that I'd like to toner transfer on a copper one-sided board.
When i place the ATX connector that I got from Hong Kong (I couldn t find a shop in Paris who would sell some!)
alongside the 1:1 scale pdf of the PCB
its slightly bigger so the pins won't fit with the holes.
Can someone help me?
Plus I'd like to meet some people in Paris who would like to share the adventure.
thanks guys
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 17, 2014 06:27AM
It's likely a problem with tha application you use to print the PDF. Most apps have "shrink to fit" as the default, which makes a page always smaller than designed. You want "no scaling" or whatever that's called in your app.


Generation 7 Electronics Teacup Firmware RepRap DIY
     
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 17, 2014 11:42AM
Thank you it was just that.....
I'm now gonna be able to go forward
and try to transfer the design to my copper plate.
A bit far from pure electronics concerns
but one step at a time.
I still have to find the right kind of paper.
My next attempt is gonna be with some cheese wrapping paper....its very waxy I hope the ink won't stick to it as it did in my previous attempts with glossy magazine paper and oven proof paper for cakes...
Its all about food...
Thanks again.
See you next trouble
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 18, 2014 06:59AM
Quote
mocamba
I still have to find the right kind of paper.

That's actually a question rarely mentioned. While plain copier paper works to some extent, there are very likely better choices. I bought a roll of baking paper already, but didn't try that, yet.


Generation 7 Electronics Teacup Firmware RepRap DIY
     
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 22, 2014 06:57AM
Hello,
I'm glad:
I've been able to etch my gen7 v1.5:
Here's the result
I'm proud and amazed that I've made it up to there!
Two thin sections of the board worry me though as there seems to be a narrow gap.
I have tried many different papers to transfer the design
(glossy magazines, baking paper, photo paper
But all I could manage to get was that
By chance I stumbled on a small shop
and they manage to sell me some press and peel paper
and there I must say that it worked all right
but read this:
It was 11 euros for 3 A4 sheets:
which means that you can put 4 designs in each sheet.Gen7V1.5Mocamba.pdf
+/- 1 euros per board.
Still you have to find the right dosage between:
the heat of your iron
the strength and duration of the pressing to make the toner stick.
TIPS:
- the cooling is also important
i like to think its good if the resin cools before the paper so that it he toner solidifies
where it's supposed to stick first.
so gently pouring cold water on the board circuits facing down is good,
then both sides under water
then resist the urge to check your work on the spot.
Let it cool and ....See you for the next troubles!
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 22, 2014 06:59AM
Soory I mixed up the photos!
Guess you'll be able to solve the right order....
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 23, 2014 03:08AM
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
August 24, 2014 06:15PM
Here is an old page about toner transfer.

Me for one i think its not just the paper, but rather both the paper and the toner. There are some types of toner which are just not so good. E.g. toner types are different between manufacturers and even for a manufacturer between printers. And fusing temp could be in a range like 160-220C, ideally for ulterior transfer if its at the lower end. And if there is a setting to deposit maximum amount of toner (opposite of economy). This is probably part of why some printers work good and others dont do toner transfer well. In general i think HP and Samsung have a good reputation for toner transfer and also from my own experience. And papers i have changed quite some types over time, most consistent in results for me are the cheap types of inkjet photo paper, but usually those made by no-name companies. I tried some types from HP photo papers but havent found one better than the no-names. Also most of hp photo papers are too thick/heavy for most of laser printers, so some of the heavy types i could not even test because they just jam everytime. So i just go with the cheapest inkjet photo paper in a range of 120-150gsm. Best is to look at printer's specification about what is the heaviest paper it can work with, in case of inkjet photo paper, some types are heavy.
Re: my pcb toner transfer scale problem
March 18, 2016 04:40AM
consider dry film, much better solution IMO:

[www.instructables.com]

i get it on eBay from china. takes forever to ship but its pretty cheap.
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