[Lab] Chemistry help: moding Inkjet Printers

[Jason Cobill]

Don't let people get you down, I think you have something there.

Here's an idea: Instead of perfecting the ink, instead modify the paper.
Dead trees are tough stuff to dissolve, and aren't even that great as
stencils. It soaks up paint and falls apart after a few uses. Why not use
metal foil or a plastic (or sugar) sheet or something, and then print
readily available water (or some kind of solvent) onto it? That way you end
up with a way more robust stencilling template, and you can work with
chemicals that aren't scary organic dissolvers.

Another option: Print out onto regular paper, but cut the stencil in a
two-stage process. Maybe you print phosphors onto the paper, and then warm
it in a toaster oven to burn through the stencil. Or you print something
onto plastic and freeze + shatter the stencil. (This doesn't sound really
safe...)

In my imagination, I can't see past the silkscreening process - maybe you
run silkscreen-emulsion coated fabric through your printer and print
something on it that blocks light (sunscreen!) - then expose it to sun/UV.
The printed area doesn't set, and washes off leaving a fabric stencil.


On Mon, May 27, 2013 at 3:43 PM, Stephane Beauchamp-Kiss <
stephane.beauchampkiss at gmail.com> wrote:

> Good afternoon all,
>
> I'm wondering if there's any members out there with a background in
> chemistry who would be interested in exploring an idea/project with
> me:
>
> I have used laser cutting in the past to create stencils for various
> art projects. This is definitely a popular application of this
> technology (silkscreening/art/signs). However, I have found several
> disadvantages: laser cutters aren't readily available, they are
> expensive to own privately (especially in larger sizes), the cost of
> services such as ponoko.com is still high, designs need to be vector
> graphics, and there are limitations to the level of detail of the
> design.
>
> My idea: using standard inkjet printers/plotters to create stencils.
> The idea would be to add a chemical to the ink in an inkjet cartridge,
> such that it reacts with cellulose in the paper and dissolves it into
> a relatively safe/environmentally friendly gas. NMMO is a chemical
> that appear promising; it is used in industry for dissolving cellulose
> and has a history of use as an additive to inkjet ink to increase the
> intensity of colors on paper; in larger concentrations it may dissolve
> the paper (though it may turn it into a liquid goop). Another
> alternative is an paper pre-treatment that would react with another
> chemical added to the inket cartridge. I recognize the dangers and
> obstacles associated with this project. I have a safe, controlled area
> in my home in Westboro to work on this project.
>
> What I'm looking for is a partner in crime with some chemistry
> background who would be interested in meeting and exploring this idea
> with me. The long term goal is to develop/market a home DIY stenciling
> kit for inkjet printers.
>
> I welcome any comments on this projects, even critisism. To be honest,
> I have received a fair bit already and I am aware that there may
> simply be too many obstacles to make this one fly. Doesn't mean I
> won't try ;)
>
> Cheers!
>
>     Stephane Arthur Kiss, M.A.Sc
>     Producer: Art, Music, Design
>     ANTI STUDIOS.com
>     OFFICE 613-997-3015
>     STUDIO 613-761-7185
>
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