Peter Ivanov's site

Homemade PCB with toner transfer

I created two PCBs using toner transfer method. You need:

1. Glossy art paper (I used 100g/m²),
2. Sand paper (type 500 or 600),
3. Aromatic paint thinner,
4. Laser printer or photocopier,
5. Iron,
6. Nail brush.

For etching:

1. Hidrogen-peroxid (30%),
2. Salt acid (20%),
3. Plastic container

Hidrogen-peroxid and salt acid are dangerous liquids. Do not touch them with bare hands. Use rubber gloves and safety glasses (the video maker set a bad example!).

Steps of making (for one sided PCB):

1. Print the mirrored PCB image to the art paper.
2. Clean the PCB with sand paper under running water.
3. Put the art paper on the PCB (the toner powder should contact with the PCB not the iron) and iron it. It takes approx. 1 minute. Wait till PCB and paper gets cold.
4. Put them under running water and remove the art paper. Probably you need brushes.
5. Put the PCB into the plastic container and pour some salt acid to cover the PCB. Pour 15-30 ml hidrogen-peroxid to the container. Wait until unnecessary copper disappears.
6. Remove PCB from the container and wash it.
7. Use paint thinner to remove the toner powder.

Two sided PCBs can be made as well, but only the image of bottom side should be mirrored. You have to align the two papers with toner powder inside and create an "envelope". Then put the PCB inside the envelope.

Video of making PCB from a Hungarian site: http://pa-elektronika.fw.hu/

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