Homebrew PCBs

The real problem is that the toner is unlikely to resist the etching 
solution.  Inkjet ink probably will no resist corrosives either.

The best way to do this is to print a transparent real size image on 
a clear material in the laser printer. 

Then, use a photo-silkscreen to transfer a printalble image (the part 
exposed to light solidifies, the unexposed washes away). 

(Later, you can remove the whole image with bleach, re-apply photo-
sensitive emulsion and create another photo-silk screen with the same 
screen again and again.)

Then print with any acid/ferric chloride resistant media (your choice 
depends on cost and cost of removing after etching - good old shelac 
dissolves easily in alcohol or you can buy more expensive rosin 
formulas from an art supply used for etching copper plate for art 
prints).

Also, the toner is a thermoplastic powder that is melted onto the 
paper after printing.  How do you expect to remove it from the copper 
after the etch?

Sorry if you alread kwow all this - it is tradional technology.


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@y...> 
wrote:
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Thomas" <teecee@c...> wrote:
> > Hi All
> > Has anyone done or know if its possible to modify a Laser printer 
> to print directly onto the PCB with Toner ?
> > or would a Regular Laser Beam Like those cheapo "Laser pointers" 
> expose the Photoresist coating on a Presensitised PCB as I have a 
> small XY table that would be suitable for such a CNC venture,  I 
was 
> looking at Duponts website and they talk about a UV Argon Laser for 
> LBI ...if the price was right it would be the ultimate Homebrew 
> PCB'ers dream http://www.dupont.com/pcm/riston/laserseries.html
> > 
> > Regards
> > Thomas
> > 
> 
> The toner is transfered to the drum inside the laser and then to 
the 
> paper.  the toner is moved and held in place with a slight 
electrical 
> charge.   The copper of the board would stop the process.
> 
> But... there may be a way to cover the board with a non-conducting 
> film and print on that.
> 
> In my opnion, the best chance we have of a direct print is ink-
jet.  
> They already make ink-jet printers for printing on things like 
belts 
> and hoses and metals and boxes.   
> 
> It seems that we have just not found a good combination of 
printhead 
> and ink.
> 
> Dave