[ Yep, I'm resurfacing after some time :-) ]
Instead of transparencies, I usually use Avery 3276 Inkjet Decals for Windows
(the traditional glass Windows, not the Microsoft type). [ I like to ensure
that the board will not slip relative to the transparency and have found that
scotchtape on transparencies leave marks (lines of copper) in the resulting
board. ]
I found excellent results some months ago with a friend's HP930c inkjet and
these decals. But that was in another state. Here, I've recently started
using a LaserJet 5L (paid $40 for it, including toner) with the same
(inkjet!) transparencies, and so far have successfully done a 15-mil board at
600dpi. I have not found these decals specifically for laser printers
anywhere.
For PCB's and other reasons (front panel transparency masks), I've been
desperately looking for a low-cost printer that prints very dark, but oddly
this one does not, yet gives me good results with PCB's. I'll need to try
smaller traces/spaces to see if I can successfully do 10 mil or less.
Cheers,
-Neil.
On Sunday 29 June 2003 20:37, Adam Seychell scribbled:
> I've seen many poor prints from inkjets too. The trick is to use
> the corrct ink/printer and transparency combination. The
> differences between the worst and the best is incredible.
>
> rolanyang wrote:
> > It's not that I've had amazing success with laser, but I
> > haven't ever been able to make a quality transparency
> > with the inkjet (Epson 800). It may have been the print
> > mode or the plastic material, but the final art has
> > always been somewhat ... transparent :(
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, adam Seychell
> > <adam_seychell@y...> wrote:
> > Professionals use inkjets when
> >
> >>it comes to making photomask for silk screening, ect.
> >>If you have had good success with laser printed photomasks,
> >>then please tell us more.
> >>
> >>With the epson inkjet/epson transparencies I can expose
> >>boards at least five times the normal period and still have
> >>perfect masking of the image. The only problem with such
> >>long exposures is excessive light undercut.
> >>
> >>rolanyang wrote:
> >>>Laser printers can be bought for roughly $100 these days.
> >>>It's hard to beat the consistent output and quality
> >>>of toner on transparencies. Also, if you're adventurous
> >>>enough, they are good for direct iron-on transfer to PCB's.
> >>>
> >>>At that price, it's almost not worth hours of fiddling
> >>>with inkjets - unless someone figures out how to
> >>>do the direct inkjet resist to pcb method.
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
> ---
> [This E-mail scanned for viruses]