Recommendations for a DIY PCB etching kit

kf4ixm

Hi all, im looking for recommendations for a diy pcb etching kit, sources,etc. Also what are some opinions about the different processes for doing such.

CameronM

Hi,

I had good luck using the Laser Printer Toner Transfer Method even though its not a kit all the materiel is pretty easy to get.

I used the website that makemagazine suggested in their youtube video.

(Makemagazine youtube video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urv6jArKp6M

(Website)
http://fullnet.com/~tomg/gooteepc.htm

It took me a few tries, but i noticed that if you run the photo paper through the printer a second time you get better results, make sure you line the paper up good or else it will be off which is not good. Also in the website they recommended the Staples "photo basic" "gloss" i didn't have much success with this as i did with Kodak paper i think the paper just needs to be glossy.

Hope this helped,

CameronM

Leon

I get excellent results (down to 8/8 mil) using photo-etch with a simple home-made UV exposure unit and a cheap inkjet printer.

Erik Friesen

Mouser stocks mg chemicals photoresist boards. Photoresist is definitely the best way, I think. Get the inkjet transparencies. Double them rather than run them through twice.

Leon

I use special film made for PCB artwork, available from Mega Electronics, UK. I don't need to print two copies.

Erik Friesen

Do you set your inkjet levels up? The film I had seemed struck me as slightly sanded laser film. You had to be careful or the ink would smear.

Leon

I use maximum resolution (1200 DPI), but nothing else. The ink takes some time to dry.