Homebrew PCBs

| On Fri, 2007-02-16 at 12:05 +0100, otc_friend wrote:
| > Hi David -
| >
| > >> I have here 0.125mm thick copper foil single-side coated with
| > epoxy.
| > >> The Epson Color 640 accepts it in "thick mode" switch.
| >
| > >Thanks for letting me know about that. I'm full of questions:
| > >- are you a dealer?
| > At the moment, maybe ;-)
|
| If myself or anyone here gets success running the stuff through a laser,
| you could well start getting orders :)

Yeah. My TI microlaser can load it.

|
| > >- what sizes does it come in?
| > I can ask the supplier for bigger sizes. At the moment I have 20 x 15
| > cm parts. One inch is 25.4 mm or 2.54 cm.
|
| That's great for unmodified (reasonably straight paper path) inkjets,
| especially since they're usually very good with arbitrary stock sizes.
|
| Quite possibly could also mount on carrier sheet to run through a laser.

Just a support paper with a glue strip to hold the copper sheet.

|
| > >- is it flexible enough to tolerate the very curved printing path
| > You must coat copper if you want to print on it with a laser.
|
| What should I coat the copper with?

That is a really interesting question. I don't managed it until yet but not worked deep into.
I have a couple of ideas to test. If I can find free time...

|
| > >- what are the retail prices?
| > If there is greater demand, I will look for supply.
|
| Positive test results would surely generate some demand.
|
| > >- is it available in small retail quantities, or only bulk?
| > You can have a single sheet. Of course, I'm located in Germany. Don't
| > know postage prices to you.
|
| One or two sheets between the size of a credit card and a postcard would
| be great. I'm in New Zealand. I could give you some $$ and send you my
| address if you send me your paypal email address and a postage cost
| estimate off-list.

I sent you a pm.

|
| > At the moment I just printed a sample. There is a need for greater
| > test series...
|
| It would be a huge boost to be able to circumvent the thermal toner
| transfer process, for many reasons such as:
|  - eliminate artwork distortion
|  - eliminate transfer failure areas
|  - speed up the whole deal
|  - allow for vastly finer artwork

The etch process will remain. And etch resistant removing.

|
| It would give the advantages of photographic transfer, but without the
| extra cost of photoresist boards (or photoresist spray), developer, uv
| lamp etc.

That's why I'm interested. You can work on your project on the weekend or in a couple of hours. There is not need to wait for
delivery.

- Henry


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