Toner PID
Laminator PID Controller for PCB Toner Transfer
Unhappy with the cheap and nasty hacks to increase consumer grade laminators temperature to do PCB toner transfer,I made my own cheap but reliable hack to increase consumer grade laminators temperature for good PCB toner transfer.I hadn't noticed anyone using a Digital PID Temperature Controller - So I thought I'd give it a go, And the results are great - Reliable 175 degrees celcius on the rollers.
If the cheap laminators heater/roller burns out - It's a simple matter to buy another cheap laminator, strip it and drop it in. All the hard work is done by the PID controller.
Hardware
Any cheap laminator should do.They cost around $40~$80.
Digital PID Temp Controller.These cost about $20 on ebay.
(Your powering the rollers directly and applying power to the heating elements with your controller)
Once you have stripped the laminator, You can assemble following the wiring diagram.
Use the PCB laminator example images as a guide for construction and operation.
The wiring diagram
Be sure to safety earth the heater covers.
Front panel overview, Left side is Main power switch, Right is Heater off override switch.
Wiring top down view. Note ground connection of heater covers.
Thermocouple mount - Attached to heater covers.
Takes a few minutes for rollers to match temperature.
Finished Top and Front view.
Operational Precautions
Your operating outside normal specifications.
Approach safety seriously and be sure to use a Residual Current Device and keep a Fire Extinguisher nearby.
Residual Current Device
Fire Extinguisher
Operation
The PID I purchased was a REX-C100 series controller.
The Instruction manual is freely available on the web.
It is also posted HERE for your convenience.
Set temperature to 175 degrees.
Wait for rollers to match temperature.
Important: Cool down
Once you have completed your PCB transfers, It is important to cool down the rollers before switching off.
The heater off override switch is used to turn off the heaters while the rollers evenly cool down.
Allow the rollers to run while they cool down to an acceptable temperature before switching off.
Wait for rollers to cool to an acceptable temperature.
Extra notes:
- Notice on the operation images there is a safety cover mounted over the rollers.
- The safety cover makes a handy rest for your PCB to warm up while the rollers reach temperature.