Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "paul_carlos_murdock" 
> <paul_carlos_murdock@> wrote:
>
> In reading through the group I have read in a few cases where it is 
> best to get a Photo Printer to make use of the UV inks (and to print 
> in yellow/cyan as opposed to black to get a truly opaque image).
> 
> I have been researching the Epson R1800 printer and wonder if any of 
> you have had success with this printer for printing on 
> transparencies 
> to be used to expose PCB artwork and sensitized PCB's.
> 
> I currently have a Color LaserJet 5550dn and it has HORRIBLE black 
> coverage and is not opaque at ALL!
> 
> cheers,
> Paul C. Murdock

From what I've heard, the R1800 that takes the Ultrachrome inks is not 
compatible with any kind of transparency, and there is not even a 
setting in the driver to use it. Ultrachrome inks are different from 
standard inkjet inks and are not designed with 'business 
applications' in mind (unless your business is printing giclees). I 
don't know anything about using yellow as a photo resist, but what I 
use to develop quick screen printing sheets (I think it's called 
PhotoEZ, it's used for craft work and not 'serious' silkscreen work) 
is any printer that has pigment ink. This would be any Epson that has 
DuraBrite ink (C84/86/88), but Epson Durabrite printers tend to clog 
up if not used every two seconds, and the ink is terribly expensive. 
Many HPs have pigment black (but not color). I have a HP 1100d which 
takes pigment black, and it works fine on HP or Apollo transparencies 
(I find Apollo are 'clearer' than most other inkjet transparencies and 
don't have that vague fuzzy frosted look) and makes a nice opaque 
black resist. Make sure you place the printed side against the work, 
the thickness of the transparency itself is enough to let a little in 
around the edge. Not sure if a printer takes pigment ink? Find the 
cartridge or model number, and search on any /good/ ink refilling 
site. Most of them will mention whether the ink is pigmented or not.

If you want to go laser, remember that many color lasers and 
photocopiers tend to have a 'better', more solid black toner than 
cheap black and white printers.