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Etch Resist from InkJet Printer?

autodeskguest

I've got an InkJet Printer that will print on CDs and DVDs.  Is it possible

to print etch resist directly onto a PCB?

 

--

 

Nigel M

 

If I'm discussing apples, please don't suggest bananas

 

Parents

  • "Nigel Molesworth" <reply@thegroup.email.invalid> wrote in message

    news:tqfhm4hj3e62t70v7q8li96pi8adv2oh3a@4ax.com...

    I've got an InkJet Printer that will print on CDs and DVDs.  Is it

    possible

    to print etch resist directly onto a PCB?

     

    --

     

    Nigel M

     

    If I'm discussing apples, please don't suggest bananas

     

    In general, no. Because (usually) standard inkjet printer ink will not

    protect against etching.

     

    You can use a laser printer and then use a hot (clothes) iron to transfer

    the toner to the pcb. The toner is plastic and acts as a resist. See:

    http://another-electronics.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-make-pcbs-with-laser-printer.html

    You're not going to get fine pitch, though it should work ok if all parts

    are through-hole (~ 0.1" pitch) and you keep your traces fairly large.

     

    If you need fine pitch then try the photo process. See:

    http://www.action-electronics.com/pcb.htm

    for some methods & supplies.

     

    IMHO neither method is good for more than 1 layer though, because of the

    difficulty in registration (lining patterns up on both sides). The photo

    method should allow up to 5mm pitch (with practice, temperature makes a

    difference in photo development time required), so this can be used with SMD

    parts.

     

     

     

Reply

  • "Nigel Molesworth" <reply@thegroup.email.invalid> wrote in message

    news:tqfhm4hj3e62t70v7q8li96pi8adv2oh3a@4ax.com...

    I've got an InkJet Printer that will print on CDs and DVDs.  Is it

    possible

    to print etch resist directly onto a PCB?

     

    --

     

    Nigel M

     

    If I'm discussing apples, please don't suggest bananas

     

    In general, no. Because (usually) standard inkjet printer ink will not

    protect against etching.

     

    You can use a laser printer and then use a hot (clothes) iron to transfer

    the toner to the pcb. The toner is plastic and acts as a resist. See:

    http://another-electronics.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-make-pcbs-with-laser-printer.html

    You're not going to get fine pitch, though it should work ok if all parts

    are through-hole (~ 0.1" pitch) and you keep your traces fairly large.

     

    If you need fine pitch then try the photo process. See:

    http://www.action-electronics.com/pcb.htm

    for some methods & supplies.

     

    IMHO neither method is good for more than 1 layer though, because of the

    difficulty in registration (lining patterns up on both sides). The photo

    method should allow up to 5mm pitch (with practice, temperature makes a

    difference in photo development time required), so this can be used with SMD

    parts.

     

     

     

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