Homebrew PCBs

Silver inks are expensive, but copper inks are much less expensive 
and are available commercially. Multiple layers are readily achieved 
with a 3D printer. The machine I have (Ultimaker) uses a Bowden tube 
to carry the plastic filament to the printhead. This could easily be 
modified to carry liquid ink. I think the real problems would be 
things like soldering and mounting components to these inks. It might 
be workable, though, and would be an interesting way to spend a few months.

Mark

At 10:00 AM 8/15/2013, you wrote:
>Mark,
>
>Sounds like removal is not an issue.
>
>How liquid tight would the 3D mask be?
>
>Given that a 3D printer gives us a third dimension to the mask, I wonder
>what else can be done with it on the circuit board. What would be very cool
>is if the 3D printer could form the traces on a piece of fiberglass. I
>recall an old process that could put down fine wire and cover it with glue.
>
>Rick
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
>On Behalf Of Mark Lerman
>Sent: Thursday, August 15, 2013 6:50 AM
>To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] convert inkjet printer into wax printer
>
>Rick,
>
>A heated bed is no real problem - I built one that works pretty well.
>But I'm not sure the wax won't stick to the copper directly.
>I  hadn't thought about removing the  plastic. PLA, which is the plastic
>I've been using, has only one solvent I know of, Tetrahydrofuran, which you
>can get on ebay. Heated Benzene is also supposed to work. However, by
>switching to ABS, you can use acetone to dissolve the plastic easily.
>
>Mark
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>