Cheap way to create & etch a PCB circuit

There are severals way to create & etch a PCB & have almost the same result. Beside using the active presensitized PCB that require UV light, we actually can create PCB without buying those gadgets & components. All you need is a laser printer, ferric chloride solution, OHP transparency, permanent marker pen, 1200grit sandpaper & iron. All these thing will cost you not more than rm20.

The steps to create PCB using this cheap way is rather simple too but it will be a bit messy ( who care as long as we could obtain the same result ).

STEP 1: Sand all particles away until PCB surface smooth & shiny, wash throughly with water & dry it completely before proceed to next step.

STEP 2: Print out your circuit trax using laser printer onto OHP transparency, then gently stick it on the PCB's copper layer.

STEP 3: Set your iron to Silk setting & iron your PCB for approximately 20 minutes. Note: Do not move your iron around or the trax might spread wide.

STEP 4: Wait the PCB cooled down, then gently tear the transparency from the PCB. the trax should printed nicely on the PCB surface. If some of the areas are defected, use permanent marker pen to draw it yourself.

STEP 5: Add ferric chloride solution and warm water with ratio 2:1 into a plastic tub ( Do Not use metal tub because it is not safe ). Emerge the PCB into solution & shake the tub ocassionally. Examine the PCB until the uncover copper layer had removed.

STEP 6: Take out the PCB & wash it with water. Use acetone or thinner to remove the trax mark on the PCB. By now your PCB should finish. :)