The 15 Minute Circuit Board!

STEP #1: Transfer Image To Bare Copper Laminate

PRINT your circuit image onto a piece of TTS paper.

CLEAN PCB copper surface of all oxidation using the green abrasive side of a 3M "ScotchBrite" scrubbing pad and drop of dishwashing soap.

IRON the image to the copper surface. Lay the TTS paper face-down over the copper and press hard for 20 seconds, or for perfect transfers of larger or complex boards pickup one of our "TIA" applicators.

WET the paper by slipping the board into a tray of water for 1 minute to release the paper.

RINSE the board to remove any residual adhesive and dry.

This Step: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
STEP #2: Apply "GreenTRF" Film Over Toner Image
APPLY "GreenTRF" over the black toner image and apply heat and pressure the same as in Step 1.

COOL the board by either letting it stand in open air for a few minutes or put it in a tray of water for an instant cool-down.

PEEL back the "GreenTRF" film. The green will only stick to where there is toner and will not bridge across open areas or even donut holes.

INSPECT all traces for any "black" toner showing through the green. If you missed a spot, just re-cover and reapply heat.

This Step: 2 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes
STEP #3: Etch the circuit board

ETCH as usual... or try something uniquely different! Our new "Direct Rub" technique will give you an extremely fast etch (12 times faster than ANY etching tank), in fact, you don't use a tank. Click here for the new technique!

DOUBLE-SIDED PCB's Because the etch is so fast it's actually faster to etch one side at a time because there is no time consuming registration.

WASH under tap water to neutralize the etchant and dry. Remove both the "GreenTRF" and black toner with a paper towel wet with acetone. All done!

This Step: 5 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes
STEP #4: Transfer Silkscreen Layer

PRINT your silkscreen image onto a piece of TTS paper.

CLEAN the surface of all fingerprint oils using the yellow (sponge side) of a 3M ScotchBrite scrubbing pad and a drop of dishwashing soap.

IRON the image to the surface by laying the TTS paper face-down over the board, ironing for about 20 seconds (or use our TIA applicator).

WET the paper by slipping the board into a tray of water until the paper's coating releases the toner. Rinse under the tap and pat dry with paper towel.

This Step: 2 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
STEP #5: Apply "WhiteTRF" Silk Screen Layer on Top

APPLY a piece of "WhiteTRF" over the black toner silkscreen image. Transfer the film as usual

COOL the board by slipping into a tray of water for a few seconds.

PEEL back the "WhiteTRF" film back over itself. Because WhiteTRF is a very heavy pigment, most of the board will be covered with white.

REMOVE EXCESS WHITE simply by laying down regular "low tack" Scotch tape. You can instantly remove all excessive WhiteTRF leaving you with a bright white silkscreened board.

This Step: 2 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
STEP #6: Silverplate Copper & Green Overcoat

SILVERPLATE deposits about 5 millions of an inch of pure silver over your copper traces for excellent solderability and professional looks. Powder requires only a moist towel and finger pressure. Available direct from the manufacturer in quantities as small as 4oz. Contact "Cool-Amp" on he web or call (503) 624-6426.

The 4oz bottle at $50 is enough to do dozens of boards. The advantage over "tin plating" is that you aren't dealing with a caustic chemical with a very short shelf life. Cool-Amp has an indefinite shelf life, safe to use and requires no chemicals!

GREEN OVERCOAT SPRAY is lightly applied over the finished board. This is not solder mask, but does give a very appealing look to a finished board for both prototype "presentation" and to seal the surface to prevent oxidation.

This Step: 2 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

The technique is a simple one. Merely apply a light coat over the entire board and let dry a few minutes. Insert components and solder. The heat from the solder joint vaporizes the green paint covering the donut pad. When finished, your "solder mask" will be right up to the solder joints giving you a very professional look, plus you get real circuit protection from the elements. The translucent green color shows the conventional two-tone effect. Available at R/C type hobby stores or direct through Testors Corporation. Product #1601.

Note: This Testor product is only a transparent acrylic spray paint. It does not act as real solder mask.