Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

previous by date index next by date
previous in topic topic list next in topic

Subject: Re: Laser Printer mods & Laser's

From: "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@...>
Date: 2004-09-29

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas" <teecee@c...> wrote:
> Hi All
> Has anyone done or know if its possible to modify a Laser printer
to print directly onto the PCB with Toner ?
> or would a Regular Laser Beam Like those cheapo "Laser pointers"
expose the Photoresist coating on a Presensitised PCB as I have a
small XY table that would be suitable for such a CNC venture, I was
looking at Duponts website and they talk about a UV Argon Laser for
LBI ...if the price was right it would be the ultimate Homebrew
PCB'ers dream http://www.dupont.com/pcm/riston/laserseries.html
>
> Regards
> Thomas
>

The toner is transfered to the drum inside the laser and then to the
paper. the toner is moved and held in place with a slight electrical
charge. The copper of the board would stop the process.

But... there may be a way to cover the board with a non-conducting
film and print on that.

In my opnion, the best chance we have of a direct print is ink-jet.
They already make ink-jet printers for printing on things like belts
and hoses and metals and boxes.

It seems that we have just not found a good combination of printhead
and ink.

Dave