For hobby and learning purposes, I do some PCBs at home, using photo-resist positive development (mainly just single/double layer).
Obviously, I realized that most professional PCBs have silkscreen labeling, so I started to read a bit about it. I've mainly seen 3 processes:
- PCB printers/CNC: That seems to be the easiest, but it's quite expensive to get.
- Silk printing: Seems very time-demanding, as to generate the "silk" screen would take long time for a single usage.
- Ink transfer: Not sure about it, or how it works.
So my question is: What process is adapted for home-made PCB silk-printing? Is that even something usual? Where to get some further info about it?
Some related questions:
Best Answer
Toner tranfer is probably your best bet. Look up how people make PCBs using toner transfer. Make your pcb by any method you like, then after it is etched and clean, use the toner transfer method to put the part markings on the board. Of course, you leave off the etching after this second toner transfer.
The markings won't hold up like real silk screen, but its really about the only solution available.