Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "otc_friend" <otc_friend@...> 
wrote:
>
If your laser will run card stcok, then most likely the thin flex pcb 
material woll make it through the laser on a carrier sheet. There are 
still other problems, some lasers add a fuser oil, which can prevent 
adhesiosn. The copper has a large thermal mass as compared to paper. 
The brand of toner will also make a huge difference.

If you scratch the drum with the foil, you're up the creek and have 
to replace the drum.

I speak form experience. my old Laserjet IIIP+ worked fair, after but 
changiong the toner cartridge, ti didn't work at all, My Samsung 
ML2010 never adhered the toner to the pcb.

It was all worth trying, but there are some dangers. It is not going 
to be that simple.

Myc






 | 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
> 
> 
> www.ehydra.dyndns.info
>