Thanks for the links Russell. This is one of the items on my rapid SMD
reflow PCB development task of my ever growing list of things to do. Like
the author I'd like to develop in an afternoon or so and do extremely small
runs on the cheap. I haven';t visited this task in a while but from my
previous research:

1. Develop SMD only PCB and toner print to transparancy.

2. Black light transparancy onto photoresist copper.

3. Develop the copper board, strip, and etch in muriatic acid (diluted HCl)
and hyrogen peroxide. High concentrations of H2O2 can be found in women's
hair shops under the name "Clear Developer". The 40 volume bottle has a 12%
concentration which is 4 times the strength of a standard bottle.

4. Prep the stencil according the directions below. Looks like the same
etchant is doable, but in a separate plastic container since it's aluminum
and not copper.

5. Mate the stencil to the PCB, slather with solder paste, and place the
components.

6. Figure out the most consistent reflow method. Sparkfun shows a hot
skillet method here: http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/59 that also
discusses the pros and cons of other types of DIY reflow methods.

Thanks again for the info...

BAJ


On Tue, Feb 05, 2013 at 01:03:37AM +1300, RussellMc wrote:
> [EE]:: DIY solder paste stencils using an etched soft drink can
> He uses toner transfer but 'optical' resist processing  would be even bet=
ter.
>=20
>         http://lowpowerlab.com/blog/2013/01/23/diy-home-made-metal-stenci=
ls-step-through/
>=20
> His prior article - discussion of methods and materials
>=20
>           http://lowpowerlab.com/blog/2013/01/18/diy-metal-stencils-resea=
rch-materials/
>=20
> __________________
>=20
> or !!!
>=20
> Toothpick & tweezers
>=20
>    http://hackaday.com/2013/02/01/populate-smd-boads-using-a-toothpick-an=
d-tweezers/
>=20
>=20
>                  Russell McMahon
> --=20
> http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
> View/change your membership options at
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist

--=20
Byron A. Jeff
Chair: Department of Computer Science and Information Technology
College of Information and Mathematical Sciences
Clayton State University
http://faculty.clayton.edu/bjeff
--=20
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View/change your membership options at
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