Homebrew PCBs

A quick way of looking at the problems involved is to tape a piece of 
aluminium Kitchen foil to a sheet of A4 paper and then print a PCB layout 
onto it using a standard inkjet printer.
          In my case the ink lines 'ball up" turning lines into a row of 
dot's. I am not sure whether this was due to some sort of coating on the 
aluminium foil. Same think happened on copper.  On the other hand a 
permanent marker pen produces nice clean lines on the same aluminium foil 
and copper without balling.  .
         If anyone solves the problem, please let me know .... it is the way 
to go !  ... John Kent


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Earl T. Hackett, Jr." <hacketet@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2005 12:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] INkejet printing right on a circuit board....


>I Googled on 'flatbed inkjet printer' - essentially what you're asking for.
>
> Here's one that might work
>
> http://www.signweb.com/outdoor/prods/Scitex.html
>
> Just a bit of overkill for our purposes ;-)
>
> It looks like there is something here worth exploring.  Starting in 2002 
> or 2003 there seems to be a bunch of companies constructing flatbed 
> printers in an attempt to get some of the silk screen printing business. 
> Flatbed printers will print on thick, rigid substrates.  Some use solvent 
> based inks.  Solvent based inks have the potential to function as etch 
> resists.  Most of these printers are wide format to print on T-shirts and 
> other clothing, and all I checked out look like expensive machines. 
> However, we may be able to find these machines in local shops that 
> traditionally do silk screen printing.  Look for a custom silk screen shop 
> in your area.  You may be able to supply artwork and have him print on 
> your PCB.
>  ----- Original Message ----- 
>  From: lcdpublishing
>  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>  Sent: Friday, May 06, 2005 5:45 PM
>  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] INkejet printing right on a circuit board....
>
>
>  Hi Group,
>
>  I am wondering if there is a such a device already out there that can
>  print directly onto a circuit board.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>