Toner transfer paper is a specialized paper used in a heat transfer process, primarily with laser printers. Its main purpose is to hold a toner-based image printed by a laser printer, which is then transferred to another surface, often a substrate like fabric, metal, or, notably, copper for making circuit boards.
How Toner Transfer Paper Works (Circuit Board Example)
As described in the provided reference, toner transfer paper is fundamental in one method for creating printed circuit boards (PCBs) at home or in small workshops. The process involves:
- Designing the Circuit: The circuit board graphics (the traces and pads) are designed and drawn electronically or manually.
- Printing the Design: A laser printer prints these graphics onto the special thermal transfer paper (also known as toner transfer paper). Laser toner, being a plastic powder, is crucial here.
- Preparing for Transfer: The printed paper is then placed with the toner side down onto the Bonded Copper board.
- Heat Application: The combination of the paper and copper board is heated. This heating causes the melting of the toner completely adsorbed on the deposited copper.
- Transfer and Removal: After heating, the material cools down. The transfer paper is then carefully torn off. You can see the graphics board has to... (the design is left adhered to the copper).
This leaves the toner pattern on the copper, acting as a resist layer for subsequent etching processes to remove the unwanted copper, leaving only the desired circuit traces.
Key Characteristics
- Laser Printer Compatible: Designed specifically for the toner used in laser printers.
- Heat Activated: Requires heat and pressure to release the toner.
- Substrate Versatility (within limits): Can transfer to various surfaces, but applications like PCB making on copper are common and effective.
- Toner Acts as a Resist: The transferred toner pattern protects the underlying material (like copper) from etchants.
In essence, toner transfer paper is a crucial component in a heat-based method for transferring laser-printed designs, widely used for crafting custom circuit boards among other applications.
