Homebrew PCBs

lcdpublishing wrote:
> Well, it looks to me like someone with an epson printer that has 
> durabrite ink has to give this a go.  
> 
> The ink is resisting the ferric chloride for a while.  Then, it 
> starts to breakdown and the etchant starts to eat away at the 
> copper.  So, it does appear to work for a while.
> 
> I certainly can read my name from the previous etch test.  However, 
> I also drew a box and some lines around my name with a sharpie.  
> When I run my finger over the board, I can easily tell the 
> difference in thickness of the copper.  The areas that were masked 
> with the sharpie are much thicker copper than with the ink.
> 
> The problem with my tests is that I have no way to consistantly 
> control the application thickness (Film thickness) of the ink.  So, 
> in areas where the ink is thick, it protects good - I suspect.  This 
> also appears to be the case where I tried another "Flood fill" 
> area.  Some areas resisted well, others etched through like there 
> was nothing there.
> 
> So, I really think the next step is for someone to try it on an ink 
> jet printer.  that will provide consistant thickness of ink and of 
> course, something accurate to see after the etching.
> 
> that's all I got folks.

Might you try baking the Durabrite in a warm oven or under a lamp for 
a while?  It might take a while for the ink to cure into a tough solid.