I am having hard time trying to make my own PCB using the toner transfer method. All the videos on youtube make it look fairly easy but when I go to iron on the circuit artwork, the photo paper sticks to the iron long before it will stick to the copper clad board. I have sanded, scoured, doused in alcohol and wiped it clean before attempting to transfer. I am beginning to wonder if the problem lies with my printer since everything I have watched says to use a laser printer. Suggestions?
what kind of printer do you have
HP Officejet Pro 8500 A910 . Judging by the name, I'm going to guess its an inkjet.
yup it is an inkjet, therefore it wont work
toner transfer works on the idea that toner in laser printers and copiers is a plastic powder that is melted on the paper (thats why its warm when it comes out), so you use your iron to remelt the plastic back onto your blank board to make a resist mask.
inkjets squirts liquid ink onto paper and is not sticky or heat reactive, therefore it wont transfer.
Thanks that makes sense.
Easy solution: Take it and make a copy in a standard copier.
Most copiers use the same technology as laser printers.
I like it!
and have a permanent black marker (sharpie brand works well) to touch up any spots on your PCB, cause I personally have never gotten a 100% perfect toner transfer
99% yes, 100% no