Trying to sort out the layers

Question

I am a new user of Eagle - it's a steep learning curve.

Once competent I will be creating small compact circuits within the limitations of my version of Eagle.

When the circuits have been designed I would then like to make my own PCBs (Toner Transfer method).

Here's my question:-

What must I do to get the circuit design printed on a laser printer so that I will be able to use the toner transfer method?

Is there a particular file that is created, and how is it done?

If this sounds really dumb , I'm sorry but that various videos I have viewed don't answer the question for me. They just use the printed output.

It would be nice to also be able to use the silkscreens for areally professional look.

Thanks

Danny

danielmcgraw · Accepted Answer

To generate the file for toner transfer, you just have to click print (If you need it there is a mirror option depending on the method used) When printed, the layers currently displayed on the screen will be printed. So to transfer the layer to be etched. Go to the layer settings (red,green and blue square button) and click on "None" to deselect all layers. Then select Top/Bottom to select which layer you want to print. Once you've got your board, go back to layer settings, select "None" and now just select the silkscreen layers. These are split up with the prefix t/b denoting top or bottom and then a choice of "Dimensions", "Values", "Name" Select a combination of these until happy, move the labels around so it will look right (If you need to check how it looks, select the top/bottom copper layers in again to check alignment) Then print that out and transfer it like you would to etch the copper on the other side. Any questions just ask Dan McGraw M0WUT

danielmcgraw · Answer

Assuming you use a system similar to Press 'n Peel. You print out the image onto a sheet, then iron that onto the board to create your etch resist. The board is then put in etching solution (normally ferric chloride) and, once etched, the etch resist is removed with wire wool/acetone. To create your silkscreen, after you've etched the board, you print out your silkscreen and transfer it to the board in the same way as before and just leave it on. Not sure how resistant this is, may need a protective coating but it is worth asking "Is it worth the effort?" If only you are making the PCBs, I show the board in Eagle on my computer and use that for componenet placement. I've even seen this method used in kits (no silkscreen but a picture showing component placement) as once you've built a PCB, there's normally very little to change. Plus creating a silkscreen uses twice as much toner transfer paper (one piece for the copper etch resist and one for the silkscreen) Dan McGraw M0WUT