pro photo systems use laser plotters with 24,000 dpi., and film you need a
darkroom for.
most ink based systems that I have seen are for SMD, reflow process.
I do not believe that silver conductive ink will be the future of pro etch
resist, simply do to the cost of silver.
IMO, Plating Etch resist is the 100% reliable method, with photoresist only
acting like a plate resist, the plate then becomes the etch resist. More
expensive than plain Photo etch, and WAY more expensive than TT, my total
Plating (copper/tin)setup was about $500 with the capacity for 6" X6" dual
sided boards((2.5Gallons), and 100ft roll of photomask. -
I still prefer TT for single sided - non commercial - boards.. just for the
quickness, cheapness and simplicity.
I'm following the Thinktink.com GreenCirc process, but I bought my plating
equip from Caswellplating.com
If you think Acetone is bad, I use 98.08% pure sulfuric acid and 50%
hydrogen peroxide.
Gloves, goggles, ventilation, and patience -- all is well.
JT
----- Original Message -----
From: "mikezcnc" <eemikez@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 2:13 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Another TT idea
> I tried this using a pizza stone for higher energy accumulation.
> Nada. There is something in the 'massaging' and that something being
> a mix of temp and force pers iron's surface. I still believe that TT
> is a great method for something simple, wide and small. To have real
> quality one following choices:
>
> 1. Inkjet w/conductive ink. SOBs already make that ink but I found
> out that they are making machines that go with it. This will be the
> future of PCB mfr-ing.
> 2. I won't even mention isolation milling with CNC machines (sorry
> Dave...) because of dust and freaking noise.
> 3. Laser--- I read with interest couple of posts on the subject... if
> that works out then it is a great technology.
> 4. And the winner is: PHOTO. There is no substitute for a UV
> exposure. But to have a quality product one needs an extensive
> hardware setup.
>
> I saw today a machine that is used to print images on CD/DVDs. Cost
> was more than 100k and when asked about my cost to order a volume,
> teh answer was: er...60cents per disk. Regretfully they cannot print
> larger than disk.
>
> 5. I've seen a laser etching in action and have to admit that it is
> an awsome technology. But... the laser cost around 100k, all the
> safety precautions but quality was stunning.
>
> so many words for today. Back to my project perfecting the photo
> imaging.
>
> Mike
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Anthony Toft <toftat@c...>
> wrote:
> > I just had an idea, how about instead of the cloths iron use a
> couple of
> > fairly thick (0.25-0.5) steel plates, and put it on the stove top.
> With
> > the paper and board sandwiched to provide the pressure, this could
> be
> > set up as you want it, then 'cooked'. After a little
> experimentation you
> > could accurately see how much pressure is needed (by varying the
> weight
> > of the top plate) I think it would eliminate a lot of the guess work
> > inherent with the iron.
> >
> > Would this work?
> > --
> > Anthony Toft <toftat@c...>
>
>
>
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