I can comment on my own experience using Epson Inkjet printers
(Stylus Photo 1200 and Stylus 1160) vs. a Sharp Al1041 laser system.
I measured items printed on the laser vs. the inkjets. What I found
was that the laser printed transparencies didn't feed uniformly (or
changed dimensionally because of heat) and therefore the ultimate
printout did not measure precisely as it should. I'm talking >1/10"
over an 11" printout. The inkjets were right on. Surprisingly
accurate. On paper, both are very accurate.
For blackness, the laser also fell short. The inkjet yielded very
uniform black areas. The Laser was far from black when printing
ground planes. i'm not sure how this would affect the ultimate photo-
transfer, but I have to think it wouldn't be good.
After making these observations, I only use inkjets for my photo-
transfers and have had very good success with my boards.
-Ted
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., dg140@f... wrote:
> What is the general consensus; is a Laserjet, or Injket better for
> photoetching? If laser printing is clearer, it also has the danger
of
> melting the overlay (if plastic is used), yes?
>
> Charles