Homebrew PCBs

[ Yep, I'm resurfacing after some time :-) ]

Instead of transparencies, I usually use Avery 3276 Inkjet Decals for Windows 
(the traditional glass Windows, not the Microsoft type).  [ I like to ensure 
that the board will not slip relative to the transparency and have found that 
scotchtape on transparencies leave marks (lines of copper) in the resulting 
board. ]

I found excellent results some months ago with a friend's HP930c inkjet and 
these decals.  But that was in another state.  Here, I've recently started 
using a LaserJet 5L (paid $40 for it, including toner) with the same 
(inkjet!) transparencies, and so far have successfully done a 15-mil board at 
600dpi.  I have not found these decals specifically for laser printers 
anywhere.

For PCB's and other reasons (front panel transparency masks), I've been 
desperately looking for a low-cost printer that prints very dark, but oddly 
this one does not, yet gives me good results with PCB's.  I'll need to try 
smaller traces/spaces to see if I can successfully do 10 mil or less.

Cheers,
-Neil.



On Sunday 29 June 2003 20:37, Adam Seychell scribbled:
> I've seen many poor prints from inkjets too. The trick is to use
> the corrct ink/printer and transparency combination. The
> differences between the worst and the best is incredible.
>
> rolanyang wrote:
> > It's not that I've had amazing success with laser, but I
> > haven't ever been able to make a quality transparency
> > with the inkjet (Epson 800). It may have been the print
> > mode or the plastic material, but the final art has
> > always been somewhat ... transparent :(
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, adam Seychell
> > <adam_seychell@y...> wrote:
> >  Professionals use inkjets when
> >
> >>it comes to making photomask for silk screening, ect.
> >>If you have had good success with laser printed photomasks,
> >>then please tell us more.
> >>
> >>With the epson inkjet/epson transparencies I can expose
> >>boards at least five times the normal period and still have
> >>perfect masking of the image. The only problem with such
> >>long exposures is excessive light undercut.
> >>
> >>rolanyang wrote:
> >>>Laser printers can be bought for roughly $100 these days.
> >>>It's hard to beat the consistent output and quality
> >>>of toner on transparencies. Also, if you're adventurous
> >>>enough, they are good for direct iron-on transfer to PCB's.
> >>>
> >>>At that price, it's almost not worth hours of fiddling
> >>>with inkjets - unless someone figures out how to
> >>>do the direct inkjet resist to pcb method.
> >
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