Laser printer for PCB Toner Transfer

[Psychaotix]

Hello everyone.

I've been reading online about using a Laser printer to apply a mask to a PCB, so I went and found a printer. Unfortunately, I didn't realise that there's differences in the toner. The printer I've put on lay-by is a Brother HL-2135W monochrome laser printer, sold by BigW for AU$88.

Would this be suitable to use for making PCB's via toner transfer, or should I look at cancelling the layby and going for another brand. I'd like to keep the printer as cheap as possible, because I am on a restricted income, and I know that Brother do generally have a good name, or at least did in the past.

Regards,
Psychaotix

EDIT: I plan on making some boards from artwork in Silicon Chip, one of the electronics magazines in Australia. I'll be working slowly to begin with, as it's been some time since I've done any electronics work, but I believe I remember enough of the basics, and if I have any issues, I can always refer back to the source.

First project is a frequency reference.

[nanofrog]

In theory, Yes. Unfortunately, there are complaints with using Brother printers, even with different toner (won't transfer properly, no matter the transfer paper).

If you can cancel, you might want to do so, and get something else, such as an HP or Canon (IIRC, both of these have provided good success rates). Check out the consumables cost, not just that of the printer. I actually went with Brother myself based on this, but I wasn't thinking in terms of Toner Transfer method.

If you do get the Brother, there's a trick that can get it to work (involves a separate make of copy machine). Copy Shop could be your friend if you don't have access to one otherwise. 

[kripton2035]

I'm using an epson c1100 (idem cx11 or cx21) with black epson toner and photo paper and it works fine.
don't know about the brother sorry.

[Psychaotix]

Ahh, okay. Looks like I'll be cancelling the lay-by and seeking out another printer. There's no point having a printer that's not going to work for what I want.

Looking at one of the local stores online, I came across a HP Laserjet 1102W which seems to have good reviews and is under AU$100. Apparently it works well, and can lay down a reasonably thick coating of toner which helps the process as I understand it.

Here's a link to the printer.
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Printers-and-Faxes/Laser-Printers/Mono-Laser-Printers/HELJ1102W

Regards,
Psychaotx

[nanofrog]

My Brother HL-2040 works for me and I use the better quality glossy paper from junk mail or brochures from kitchens and appliances I get from the hardware shop.

I've said it before (several times) I think this issue with Brother toner is an urban myth that has no basis in truth aside from the person who started it having process problems and blaming the toner.

There is heat, pressure, PCB cleanliness and paper quality that all have a bearing.

Can you post some PCB pics you've made on yours?

It would be appreciated, as it would help generate confidence in mine (MFC-9450CDN).

[jaqie]

I guess I should consider myself lucky that I run across HP 4L and 5L printers regularly?...

I dunno I would much rather use a board drill-machining process like is in the latest video of the hackerspace on the EEVblog.

[justanothercanuck]

I guess I should consider myself lucky that I run across HP 4L and 5L printers regularly?...

Not if you're spending the money on fusers and maintenance/roller kits.  I know better than to scavenge printers from work. 

[Psychaotix]

Thanks to all who replied. It's interesting to hear what others have to say on the topic.

I've settled on the HP from Officeworks, now I'm just waiting to move and get settled in to the new house before I go get it, otherwise it's just one more thing I need to pack up and move. Hopefully things all work as planned though.

I'm also looking at making a EEPROM programmer, because a lot of the projects I'm wanting to do require some form of software on the EEPROM to make it work.

Thanks again everyone.
Psychaotix.

[Psi]

You want a printer that can do a really solid black, with no tiny white spots showing through.

[poorchava]

HP LaserJet 4000. Good, reliable and sturdy. Designed to be an office workhorse. Too bad mine doesn't have ethernet card, or more RAM. Bought it for like 50€ used with 45k pages on the page counter.

Only complaint would be that it still has original HP toner which is not really the most black toner available. So if I ever wanted to switch to photoresist method, I'd probably have to come up with something.

[millerb]

I've done the toner transfer thing in the past. I used an HP 1022 Laser Jet and used high gloss paper. Here's an example of what I was able to do:



To get results like this took me lots and lots of tries. Have to scrub the copper to death. Wipe it down with isopropanol. Heat evenly as possible, don't use to much pressure, etc. Helps to let it soak in water to loosen up the paper when you peel it off.