Re: Printing on copper

Jodie Allen (74160.3410@CompuServe.COM)
02 Aug 96 01:16:05 EDT

>A selenium plate was charged and the image projected on it. It
>was then dusted with a photo-resist type toner which was
>transferred to a copper plate which was then baked to fuse it.
>The resist was strong enough to permit a strong acid etch.
>Perhaps they still make this system or at least still supply
>this toner - resist powder.

There is a process we use occasionally in our lab for making printed circuit
boards that uses a paper that can be run through the laser printer. This is
then ironed onto the copper surface and the paper backing soaked off. The toner
in the printed areas somehow combined with the paper coating serves as the
resist. Etching is done using Ferric Chloride. I can check to see if I can get
you an address if you are interested.

Another technique we use for the PC boards is to lay the sheet on a flatbed
plotter, and let the computer simply plot the pattern directly on the board.
The pen inks seem to work as a resist, so perhaps you could simply transfer an
inked image to the copper.

Then there is the process used for making gravure plates, this might also work
for you.

Perhaps there is a useful idea here somewhere.

- Wayde Allen
(74160.3410@compuserve.com)