My inkjet is about to run out of ink and I'm thinking of buying a laser printer to print the transparencies.
General process:
2 prints of PCB cut aligned and glued to each other > Pr-Sensitised PCB exposure > development and etching.
In general with the Inkjet I print several times on the same sheet and any offcut can then be attached to a paper A4 sheet for printing later on, minimal waste.
My concern in buying a laser is the heat and the possible warping of the transparency especially running it through several times.
Am I better of sticking with the inkjet due to the warping of the transparency that the laser can/could cause?
I included a pic to show that all these three PCBs were done in multiple print runs with one A4 transparency sheet on an inkjet. I don't know but I don't think I can do the same with a Laser printer.
Thanks all, but it seems lasers are to finicky. Right laser, sourcing and using the right transparency, then in future if I try to use the transfer method on non pre-sensitised boards it has to be the right toner for transfer.
One mistake or fault and cost of repair could be a nightmare. For the cost of repair/parts of a laser I can buy a dozen cheap new multifunction ink-jets that will last me 5+ years.
I may stick with the ink-jets, 100% success rate so far.
It just occurred to me that with a laser and using the transfer method (translucent paper 'crowie') I could just use the laser to create a silk screen then iron it on the PCB. I may see if I can buy a cheap second hand laser. It would be nice to have a cct board with a silk screen of sorts.
Best Answer
First, thanks to all replies.
Second, A tip I discovered. I bought two second hand laser printers.
One, a multifunction for $40 that was a never used spare in an accounting firm. 8 years old but brand new and 90% toner in it (mono). The second for $10 a colour laser with 65% toner in it. Slight scratches on the far left of the drums but for printing A5 transperancies it's perfect.
Laser printing result on transperancy is better than Inkjet as it also only needs one print. Not two overlaped as with the inkjet.
I can also print a silk on transfer paper and then iron it on.
Minor draw back. Can only run transperancy through once before they start to warp. So planning is a must. Cutting A4 into A5 risks only minimal.
Lasers are big and heavy. But can't complain. More than happy with the result.
Never buy another new printer again.