Print etch resist direct to PCB

[calpolyengineer]

I was just on the Make magazine site and found this link: http://techref.massmind.org/techref/pcb/etch/directinkjetresist.htm

This looks pretty complicated and probably expensive but it uses an inkjet printer and can print etch resist, solder mask, and silkscreen directly to the copper clad board.

-Joe

[e45tg4t3]

hi,
i read the article about a week ago and since then i worked on an easier  version... still based on an inkjet-printer but with other ink so it must just only dry and mustn't be heated anymore....
BTW.:  it isn´t that complicated to dis-assemble(i hope it´s the right word) an epson c86 inkjet-printer

Best Regards Benny

[R.G.]

Hey! That's great stuff.

It reminds me of the era when small flat bed plotters were becoming cheap in the surplus market as inkjet printers got started. We used to reload the ink pens with lacquer based ink formulations and plot PCB resist directly on the copper. The inkjet is MUCH simpler and easier, though.

I wonder how long it will be before some sharp company starts making pre-modified printers and easier-to-use inks especially for PCB etching.

[calpolyengineer]

The new thing is using a cnc router to chop off the unused copper from a blank copper clad board. They are extremely fast and more accurate than any chemical etch process. Downside...$35,000.

-Joe

[R.G.]

Actually, that's not new. There was a company doing CNC routers for PCB back in the late 70's.

I like the idea of a plot/print and then etch a lot. No dust, no tools to replace, etc.

[Dan N]

I see there are cheap printers with special trays for printing CD's. I wonder if you could just rig the CD tray to hold a small pbc. Most of our effect pcbs are pretty small anyway. Has anyone here used one of those machines?

[GFR]

Hey! That's great stuff.

It reminds me of the era when small flat bed plotters were becoming cheap in the surplus market as inkjet printers got started. We used to reload the ink pens with lacquer based ink formulations and plot PCB resist directly on the copper. The inkjet is MUCH simpler and easier, though.

I wonder how long it will be before some sharp company starts making pre-modified printers and easier-to-use inks especially for PCB etching.

I remember using a small hp plotter too but I just removed the original pens and tied a sharpie pen to it with some wire

Perhaps these printers that can print directly on CDs/DVDs can be used for PCBs...

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=58654762