It's been the norm for decades that business and educational presentations use the overhead (also called, transparency or VU-Graph) projector. A common accessory to the overhead projector is clear film that is specially designed to accept images from a photocopier or laser printer.
But, I fear the days of the overhead projector are numbered. The digital projector is a superior alternative in virtually all aspects. In fact, I think it's only due to the mental inertia of folks who just don't want to give up the old ways that keep overheads around.
But, the day is surely coming when the overhead projector and the transparency sheets will go the way of the buggy whip. When that happens, a product that is now readily available will become difficult to find.
I mention this because the overhead transparency sheets have uses beyond presentations. Uses that relate to building electronic projects.
PS: Sorry for not mentioning the transparency sheets in the title. I was planning to go back and add either that or something about Colormaze and then got sidetracked and...well...didn't. Once posted, the text can be edited but, not the title..
Many people have tried to use the overhead transparency sheets as a mask for making printed circuit boards and silkscreens. Virtually always with poor to marginal results. That black toner on the clear background looks nice and dense but, the toner is actually quite transparent and lets a lot of the light through to expose parts of the photoresist or emulsion that are supposed to be masked.
But, there is a product (no, I don't sell it) that makes the transparency sheets a lot more practical for those photo processes. It lays down a metalic foil onto the toner, making it quite opaque. It's called, Colormaze from a company called, Admaze (which sells the stuff and also refills toner cartridges).
Anyway, the warning. I think people who are interested in electronic projects would do well to "stock up" on the transparency sheets while they are still readily available. In fact, as the digital projectors become more and more popular, there will probably be a period where the transparency sheets will become easily available and may even be discarded as trash by the companies you are working for in the next couple of years.
I know there's nothing to respond to in this post but, if you know of additional uses for the transparency sheets as applies to electronic projects, please add your thoughts.
But, I fear the days of the overhead projector are numbered. The digital projector is a superior alternative in virtually all aspects. In fact, I think it's only due to the mental inertia of folks who just don't want to give up the old ways that keep overheads around.
But, the day is surely coming when the overhead projector and the transparency sheets will go the way of the buggy whip. When that happens, a product that is now readily available will become difficult to find.
I mention this because the overhead transparency sheets have uses beyond presentations. Uses that relate to building electronic projects.
PS: Sorry for not mentioning the transparency sheets in the title. I was planning to go back and add either that or something about Colormaze and then got sidetracked and...well...didn't. Once posted, the text can be edited but, not the title..
Many people have tried to use the overhead transparency sheets as a mask for making printed circuit boards and silkscreens. Virtually always with poor to marginal results. That black toner on the clear background looks nice and dense but, the toner is actually quite transparent and lets a lot of the light through to expose parts of the photoresist or emulsion that are supposed to be masked.
But, there is a product (no, I don't sell it) that makes the transparency sheets a lot more practical for those photo processes. It lays down a metalic foil onto the toner, making it quite opaque. It's called, Colormaze from a company called, Admaze (which sells the stuff and also refills toner cartridges).
Anyway, the warning. I think people who are interested in electronic projects would do well to "stock up" on the transparency sheets while they are still readily available. In fact, as the digital projectors become more and more popular, there will probably be a period where the transparency sheets will become easily available and may even be discarded as trash by the companies you are working for in the next couple of years.
I know there's nothing to respond to in this post but, if you know of additional uses for the transparency sheets as applies to electronic projects, please add your thoughts.
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