what is silk screen??

[fatoota]

hi
i want somebody to explain silk screen and if there is any ability to

build pcb's using silk screen in home plz help me ???

 

[mixos1]

Hi

Silk screen puts component identification on the board (usually seems white letters on green backround)

 

[MP1]

Many of the older PC Board shops used silk screen to make the circuit pattern on the copper as well. I tried this, but it takes a lot of practice and I never liked the results as compared to the photography method. It is also very messy. You have a lot of clean up after each board you print.
Have you considered Iron on transfer or photo etch methods?

MP

 

[gsmaster1]

After I etch and drill my pcb, I print (on Laser printer) the silkscreen mirrored and I iron it on the pcb. I use HP glossy photo paper but plain paper still have good results.

View attachment 35480

 

[gsmaster1]

The previous is with HP photo paper.

This one is with plain paper.

View attachment 35481

 

[MP1]

gsmaster, that looks really nice. I will have to give it a try on my next run. How well does the legend stay on the board? Does it come off with alcohol when cleaning off flux? Do you have to spray anything on it to seal it?

MP

 

[gsmaster1]

No alcohol does not affect it. I dont know if you use a strong one what happens.

I usually spray both sides (copper side and component side) with PLASTIK from Cramolin. (insulating spray) but you dont have to do it. It Wont Leave.
When I spray it I dont touch the silkscreen because the letters come off with the spray, (It has a little more alcohol...) but when it dries it leaves a nice and shiny finish

 

[Kasamiko]

The previous is with HP photo paper.

This one is with plain paper.

This topic has been discussed many times in this forum but as far as I can remember your the first to confirm good result using ORDINARY PAPERS.. to print the parts placement guide.
Can you please post here your techniques on how you did it??

BR

Rhonn