Homebrew PCBs

Now I can seriously join Stefan in on all the fun....

I received my refurbished ($57) Epson R220 last week from the Epson
online store. The R220 will print on cd's.

Earlier today, I paid a visit to the local "Island Inkjet" kiosk at
the mall. Island inkjet refills cartiridges while you wait and also
sells ink. they were kind enough to "spot" some Durabrite-type pigment
ink on a pcb for testing.

After drying and etching, their ink seemed to have promise.

I went back and had them refill a standard Epson Black R220 cartridge
with black dye ink, just to watch the technique. It was interesting.
After puncturing the seal they inserted a plastic diaphragm in the
hole.  Then using syringes, one to push the ink in and another to
receive the vented air and ink. They actually flushed the cartridge
with new ink. Then sealed the diaphragm with a small ball and reset
the chip. The cost was about $8. The clerk's comment that this
cartridge was one of the most difficult to refill.

I then asked them to refill one of the R220 cartidges with pigment
ink. They declined, because of the flushing procedure and cross
contamination of their equipment and ink. I felt it was a reasonable
refusal. They were also concerned with their liabilities and guarantees.

I then explained that I would do it myself and was able to buy 30 ml
of the yellow pigment ink for $5. I also talked the clerk into selling
me a few of the diaphragms and sealer balls and resetting the other
cartridge. 

The grand total was $14. I now have spent a total of $71 out of pocket.

I'll post some pictures of the parts tommorow.

Well that's it for Report #1. The next step is to determine if the
pigment ink will flow through the print head.

Myc

PS. Anypne else out there working ith the Epson R220?

Links:

http://www.islandinkjet.com/