I am still interested in an older thread on using inkjet printers to
directly print resist. I think the thread just died out but it sure
seems to me that if we could find the right kind of ink, it ought be
a really great way to get very quality/repeatable etch masks on
copper. I would not at all mourn the passing of the transfer
process...
I've got an old inkjet gathering dust that I may save from my
robotics experiments...
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "mikezcnc" <eemikez@c...> wrote:
> 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...>