What materials are safe in a microwave?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on testing materials safe for use in a microwave while conducting laser image transfer on PCBs. The original method involved using plastic and rubber bands, which failed due to melting and snapping. Suggestions included using glass, specifically Pyrex, and terracotta tiles, with a caution against using metalized materials in the microwave due to safety concerns. The consensus is that certain materials can withstand high temperatures, but the microwave's operational limitations must be respected. Ultimately, the microwave idea was abandoned after realizing the risks involved.
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 Celcius for cheap glass.
 
sophiecentaur said:
Glass? Too hot perhaps. No - just looked it up. 550 Celcius 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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