PCB Making Equipment
We have two main methods for making PCB's at HackRVA; toner transfer and photoresist. Toner transfer is the simpler and most common DIY method. Photoresist takes more practice.
PCB Making Equipment
Some our equipment includes: - Laminator for heating board and toner transfer. - T-shirt press for heating board and toner transfer. - Griddle for heating acid. - Dedicated laser jet printer for printing designs on toner transfer paper. - Lighting for photoresist image transfer onto copper. - Toaster ovens for solder reflow.
PCB Making Workstation
We have a PCB making station in the Tech Lab. All the stuff is in the labeled file cabinet. The PCB making workstation is setup for toner transfer only since is the more common method.
Supplies
Single Sided Copper Double Sided Copper Acid Toner Transfer Paper Googles Nitrile Gloves Sponges Steel Wool Ziplock Bags Containers for Liquids Minerial Spirits
If any supplies are low or you wish to buy stuff for your own stash - here's the ordering sheet:
PCB Supplies
Email us at info AT hackrva.org if something needs to be replaced or purchased.
Steps for Creating a PCB with Toner Transfer
There are as many variations on PCB toner transfer as their are people doing it seems. In general they all involve putting toner onto special paper, transferring that toner to the board with heat, and then etching the remaining copper away with acid.
This is the specific steps way we recommend for smaller (3"x2") single sided boards.
1) Clean board very very thoroughly with steel wool and a bit of soap. Fine grit sandpaper is also good. The cleanness of the board will directly impact the quality of the finished product.
2) Print the board artwork onto the toner transfer paper. Use the recommended laser printer at the space. It is a good idea to set the printer to its highest quality and heaviest ink settings. Also, printing a test print on a sheet of regular paper - this prevents wasting toner transfer paper if an error in scale or direction has been made. Also, be aware of the image being flipped or mirrored incorrectly.