Homebrew PCBs

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> Sent: 22 November 2016 02:36
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] HP technical pen ink does not work for
> etching
> 
> On 11/21/2016 8:56 PM, Rob roomberg@ptd.net [Homebrew_PCBs] wrote:
> >
> >
> > Not sure if the dating on this make a difference......
> > I bought HEWLETT PACKARD
> > Disposable Liquid-Ink drafting Pens
> > .5mm Medium Point   HP Part no 5061-7620...
> 
> <snip>
> > ...The package said USE BEFORE JAN 1992 so perhaps I would get a
> > different result from TODAYs inks instead of using 25 year old ink.
> > Who knows if they even use the same chemistry now.
> > But for paper.... these are really nice pens.
> >
> Hello--
> 
> I dimly recall investigating the use of an HP 7475 pen plotter for ink-on-
> copperclad direct trace layout-- the time frame would have been in the very
> early 1990s. There was a fairly substantial amount of correspondence on
> whatever newsgroup existed back then, and someone from Canada
> recommended using a red plotter ink made by Stadler (sp?) which provided
> very good etchant resistance.

I have an HP7475 plotter. I have once used a much modified RED Lumicolor pen to make one test board, and found the etch time fairly critical, but I would say it was usable with some tunning.
I would say it would probably work with refinement but a fine pen takes a long time to fill the lands on the plotter.
This must be around 2 or three years ago.

> 
> I attempted to purchase some of the ink, only to be told by the local drafting-
> supplies seller that the ink contained a toxic ingredient that made its sale
> illegal here in the U.S.
> However, the ink was still available in Europe.

The refill ink appears to be available on Amazon in the USA:-

https://www.amazon.com/Staedtler-Lumocolor-Permanent-Refill-Station/dp/B000WH0ZLA

but of course, the inks for the USA may be different 

> 
> At that point, other projects diverted my attention and I lost track of the
> original correspondence. If someone in the group was active back then,
> perhaps they recall using the ink?

I read the articles and tried myself. My big problem with this method is that I don't have a big demand for making boards, the Plotter is slow, especially on big fills.
I am currently investigating using my 3D printer with a Dremel for PCB production.

> 
> 73--
> 
> Brad  AA1IP
> 


Dave Wade
G4UGM & EA7KAE