In my tests for a PCB resist ink, I've found a very good UV curable
ink that functions well as a soldermask.
I can eject this and cure it no problem with an Epson R280.
Originally I wanted to use it as a binder for a 3d printer but it's
very expensive ($100 a cartridge) but it seems to work great so far.
Anyway, I hope to release it as a soldermask product instead but I'm
trying to determine longer term stability/if it clogs inkjet heads.
If someone wants to try it out, I can send you a prefilled cart at my
cost to evaluate. Email me off list and show me your current inkjet
pcb setup to qualify.
You need a massive UV lamp to cure it. With a 100W mercury lamp, it
only takes 10 seconds but I'm trying to find a cheap solution. I
found some 1W UV Led torches but don't have results yet. It takes
about 8hrs in direct sunlight to dry otherwise. Those cheap UV
fluorescent tubes don't work well either.
Henry
On Wed, Sep 2, 2009 at 12:53 PM, jcarlosmor<jcarlosmor@...> wrote:
>
>
> If you refer to the green soldermask in the video, that is real soldermask
> for industrial PCB making. However, the last shot on the finished PCB shows
> very poor finish, because is almost for sure that the datasheet for that
> soldermask states that it must be baked in an air-forced oven before imaging
> with UV. Also, it must be applied by screen printing, not manually with a
> card. If the user follows all the steps according to the manufacturer you
> end with a professional board, since the soldermask in the video is "the
> real thing" used in industry.
>
>