Homemade PCB with toner transfer method

The toner transfer method is a cheap and easy way to make your own printed circuit boards (PCBs) at home. A laser printer is used to print the design on paper. Not all paper types are suitable for this kind of usage. The paper is placed with the printed side over the copper side of the circuit board and then the whole thing is heated. Most people use with good results a common iron, but if you have a laminator, use it instead of the iron. When heated, toner melts and sticks to the surfaces. The idea is to make it stick to the copper layer. After heating, cold water is used to soften the paper which should be easily peeled off from the circuit board. A good transfer means no toner remains on the paper. Once this is done, the board can be etched using whatever method you want (ferric chloride for example).

This method is widespread among hobbyists because is cheap and easy. However, for some, the results are unsatisfactory and variable. I will share some of my experiences with this method.

Homemade PCB with silkscreen

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