I really like the idea of making solder paste stencils out of beer/soda cans. It is cheap and has the right thickness.
However the problematic part in this is getting the protective layer off the aluminium sheet.
It is so resistant that the only way to remove it that really works reliably is sandpaper and lots of work.
And then you need to re-apply the etching mask again. And it takes off the thickness of the thin sheet.
I am looking into alternative ways to do this cheaply and easily. I want to actually use the protective layer.
I have found that I can leave the protective layer as is and scratch out the outlines of the holes with a needle and then etch it.
The inner parts will fall out nicely, however would probably have to do it from both sides otherwise the protective layer on the other side remains and holds it in place.
I think I will attempt to create a tiny little XY plotter device with a needle to try this.
I want this to have really high resolution (0.05mm or less). I think its too small to mill out.
Maybe an oscillating needle? I don't need to actually pierce the aluminium, just damaging the protective layer so that the etchant can get thru would be good enough...
Do you have any other ideas how to pierce the protective layer in any other ways? How about some sparks?
I could make some sparks with an inductor, but how do I prevent the high voltage from frying the switching element?
Who drinks beer out of a can?
