[dorkbotpdx-blabber] el-screenprint

[Jason Plumb]

Mykle Hansen wrote:
> hey jason: sorry i had my head in a benito all afternoon, but
> really, i do have to have a look at el-screenprint technology.
> who's done it?  is there stuff on the web?  if it works it could
> be a huge win for Project Speedvest ... i just have a hard time
> believing it will work for some reason.
> 
> i know a good screen-printer, although of course for a prototype
> one could maybe just paint the goop onto the fabric with a brush?

I did a fair amount of research on the topic a few years back but was 
kinda stuck looking for a materials supplier.  I've been told that large 
chemical companies (oh, like maybe DUPONT) don't generally like to give 
small quantity samples to amateurs/hobbyists (for fear of rights 
infringements or IP disclosure or whatever apparently).

There are a few small but valuable resources out there.  From what I 
gather, it's a fairly sensitive process but can be accomplished with 
handmade screens without too much effort.  Because the process is a bit 
sensitive to layer thicknesses, you can't simply glob it on with a 
brush.  I haven't read the material in a while, but I think it's a 4 or 
5 layer process.

I was pretty inspired by an MIT lab class:

http://hackman.mit.edu/6973/Labs/EL%20Lab%20Manual2002.pdf

There are also a few industry journals out there, some with entry-level 
information that's quite valuable (eg. mesh density and thickness and 
curing temperature being the most relevant).

-jason