Home made PhotoEtched

[ModelDay]

I'm trying to make my own photoetched parts using a laser printer and brass sheet but with no success so far.

Any advice is welcome.

[terryt]

You might try this kit from Micro Mark:

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?M...ct&ID=83123

The instructions say to use an inkjet printer due to the higher resolution.

[ModelDay]

Nice but unfortunately I can't afford that system.

[El pibe vitina]

As I can see, you are trying to transfer the laser toner printed design from paper sheet to a brass piece.

Of course, the toner ink was melted and absoberd in the paper by the printer hot cylinders (thats the way it works!).

Possibly if you interrupt or suspend the melting process inside your printer you can get the design printed in the paper but not fixed yet. But you must do it with very care, cause the toner not melted is a powder easy to fly with a simply breeze touch.

Hope to help, muita sorte.

Ate lógo!

[Joseph Osborn]

In this case, a picture is not worth a thousand words since you don't specify what system you are attempting to use. It looks like you are using toner transfer, but are you using any kind of special paper? Also, your brass must be FLAT, not full of bends and wrinkles. Use a rolling pin or a heavy wooden block to flatten your sheet. Your brass must be abraded to give the toner something to hold onto. I could go on and on but this guy has a pretty good tutorial on the toner transfer process: http://www.headwize.com/projects/garbz2_prj.php

Here's a tip on your artwork: bring your border closer to the part so that you reduce the total amount of brass that needs to etch away. Your current artwork will require a lot of time to etch and you'll probably etch through your mesh detail before the large open area is etched.

[Impatient Pete]

Is your brass absolutely clean?

Also, maybe try an undershirt, thin, to get better contact.

More heat?

Longer heat application?

It looks like it transfers in some spots...maybe more tomer is needed on the paper-

There is a plastic sheet that is made for the printing process. It's used for electronics home builders-

http://www.techniks.com/

Good luck and let us know your progress

Pete

[ModelDay]

Thanks.

I'll try with a 'flat', abraded brass sheet next time.

Edited July 5, 2008 by ModelDay

[illithid00]

If you print ink on the BACKSIDE of a piece of photo paper, it will stay wet for a little while. You may be able to transfer it to a piece of brass that way.