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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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and suitability of various materials for use in a microwave during a laser image transfer method for PCB production. Participants explore options for materials that can withstand high temperatures without releasing harmful fumes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a method involving a sandwich of materials for PCB processing and seeks suggestions for microwave-safe materials that can withstand temperatures up to 250C.
  • Glass is proposed as a potential material, but concerns about its heat resistance and drillability are raised.
  • Another participant suggests contacting suppliers for appropriate glass types that can be drilled.
  • A participant mentions terracotta tiles as a possible alternative material for testing.
  • Concerns are expressed about using metalized board material in the microwave, highlighting the risks associated with metal and the need for absorptive materials in microwaves.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of glass and terracotta tiles, and there is a clear disagreement regarding the safety of using metalized materials in a microwave. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best material choice.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best materials for use in the microwave, and there are unresolved concerns about the implications of using metalized materials.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in PCB manufacturing, materials science, or those experimenting with microwave applications may find this discussion relevant.

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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