What materials are safe in a microwave?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter camerart
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    Materials Microwave
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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the safety of materials used in microwaves, specifically in the context of a laser image transfer method for PCB fabrication. The user, Camerart, explores various materials for heating, including glass and terracotta tiles, while emphasizing the dangers of using metalized board materials in microwaves. Key insights include the suitability of Pyrex for high temperatures and the importance of avoiding metal and empty containers in microwave applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of PCB fabrication techniques
  • Knowledge of microwave safety standards
  • Familiarity with materials suitable for high-temperature applications
  • Experience with laser image transfer methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal properties of Pyrex and its applications in PCB processing
  • Investigate the use of terracotta tiles in high-temperature environments
  • Learn about safe materials for microwave use and their thermal limits
  • Explore alternatives to metalized board materials for microwave applications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for PCB designers, materials engineers, and hobbyists involved in electronics who are exploring safe heating methods for PCB fabrication.

camerart
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Hi,
I am carrying out some tests using the laser image transfer method, where the image of a circuit is put on a PCB as an acid resist, so leaving the circuit in copper. My thread PCB by Laser transfer.

My method is a 'sandwich' of two stiff plates app 110x160mm bolted at the edges. PLATE-SILICON SHEET-IMAGE-PCB-IMAGE-SILICON-PLATE. The plates need to compress the silicon enough to give even pressure to the image, and be able to withstand heat up to perhaps 250C.

I am trying different methods of heating, this time I want to test microwaves. I've tried it with plastic and rubber bands, the band snapped and the plastic melted, but it worked. So now I need a better approach. (No metal)
Any suggestions, for materials for this. Obviously I don't want dangerous fumes.
Camerart.
 
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Glass? Too hot perhaps. No - just looked it up. 550 celsius for cheap glass.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Glass? Too hot perhaps. No - just looked it up. 550 celsius for cheap glass.
Hi S,
Glass is a possibility, although for clamping it would be better to have a material that could be drilled. I know Pyrex is oven proof, but I'm not sure about plate glass or house glass/
C.
 
Glass is drillable if you get the right stuff. Contact a supplier? Tell them your requirements.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Glass is drillable if you get the right stuff. Contact a supplier? Tell them your requirements.
Hi S,
I had just looking up diamond glass drills, then I got the idea of terracotta tiles.
Guess what I was cutting yesterday? A/Terracotta tiles. I'll test these out first.
Thanks, C.
 
Cheap too!
 
Wait, you're putting metalized board material in your microwave? Bad for the oven on two scores: first, metal in a microwave (no-no), second no absorptive material (empty ovens are also a no-no).
 
marcusl said:
Wait, you're putting metalized board material in your microwave? Bad for the oven on two scores: first, metal in a microwave (no-no), second no absorptive material (empty ovens are also a no-no).
Hi M,
Ok, that answers my question, thanks.
Microwave idea gone!
C.
 

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