Washout and Job Preperation

Jun 2021 Author: Ghiath Khalil

This document will explain the basic steps necessary to washout and prepare resist effectively and efficiently so as to not waste time or material through lack of preparation.

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Washout and Job Preperation

Introduction

This document will explain the basic steps necessary to washout and prepare resist effectively and efficiently so as to not waste time or material through lack of preparation.

It is important to follow the steps to ensure consistent and efficient production.

Hand Washout

  • Place resist upright in vertical position matt side facing you on the white metal washout board, use magnets to hold resist in place.
  • Ensure you have warm water 44 – 50 degrees Celsius, the warmer the water the faster the film will washout.
  • Use Trigger Jet hand sprayer ensuring the nozzle is no further than 10cm away from the resist.
  • Use even strokes up and down and side to side to washout the resist until the image develops white (clear) against the white washout board.
  • Do not stay in one area for too long, as this will cause the uneven washout of the image.
  • Over washing will cause the film to saturate and possible shifting of image (such as lines).
  • If you have fine detail artwork, washout the rest of the artwork then washout the fine detail, otherwise you might damage the fine detail washout.

Machine washout

  • Place resist on the drum matt side facing you, use magnets to hold resist in place.
  • Ensure you have warm water 44 – 50 degrees Celsius, the warmer the water the faster the film will washout, up to 5 sheets can be washed out at the same time with the 1620 model for maximum efficiency.
  • Close the lid, press f2 for 3mil, f3 for 5mil to start the washout cycle, washout times 3mil (55 seconds), 5mil (70 seconds).
  • Once the cycle is complete, check the image has washed out properly, if needed use the hand sprayer to washout area that hasn’t completely washed out.
  • Remove from the drum and allow to dry.

Drying

Once washout is complete and checked shake off the excess moisture off before:

  • Placing the resist in a drying cabinet.
  • Hang-up to dry in a dust free area.

Backing paper/check/cut

Once the resist is dry.

  • Check that the resist is good to use, all washed out ok.
  • Ensure that you have not doubled up on artwork (same name twice)
  • If you see pin holes mark the resist on the emulsion side this can be taped up before blasting.
  • Apply the resist to backing paper (emulsion to shiny side) to protect the resist from collecting dust as SR3000 is very tacky when it’s dry.
  • Cut up the resist and keep in order, this will help production be more efficient when packing the job.

In summary

  • Check artwork is black, spelling/grammar, orientation, problem area in washing.
  • Check if 3mil/5mil, cut resist with minimal wastage, store in safe area.
  • When washing out ensure warm water, 10cm away from resist, wash with even strokes.
  • Dry resist in a dust free area.
  • Check washed out resist for problem areas, apply to backing paper, cut and keep in order.
  • Following the same procedure every time will prevent errors and poor quality work.

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