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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: laser printer transparency film any good?

From: "Stefan Trethan" <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2005-11-19

On Fri, 18 Nov 2005 23:49:55 +0100, matt clement <buckeyes1997@...>
wrote:

> i dont see how you would get the rtv silicone spread perfectly even
>
> without any peaks that would cause it to not transfer the toner
>
> correctly.

It needn't be spread perfectly at all. with a wide squeegee you can spread
it nicely if you place the paper on something flat like a mirror. I
usually spread it as thin as it will go (scrape), it is enough to fill all
the holes and fibers in the paper to make it release the toner easily. But
color darkness will allow you to easily spread it to any thickness you
like, evenly. Try it you'll see.


> i started thinking about soaking a regular piece of paper in
>
> vegetable oil til its almost clear (saturated) and then run it
>
> through the printer. the toner will still adhear to the paper but
>
> the oil should allow it to release much easier than dry paper. if i
>
> get time this weekend ill try it and report back.
>

What a mess! how will you clean the printer?
I see several problems:
Either the toner will fuse just the same, or it will slide off too easily
like on baking paper.
The oil will boil in the fuser, causing it to be smeared all over the
toner, making it impossible to adhere the toner to the PCB.

I'm all for experimenting, but i'll eat that oil-saturated piece of paper
if that works ;-)
Anyway, if you try make sure to tell the tale.

ST