Sheet Metal Basics - Transferring artworrk to metal. ken3983 - Nov 24, 2007 - 08:48 PM Post subject: Transferring artworrk to metal.
Ok...total noob here. I've worked with PCBs before to transfer artwork to copperclad boards for projects, but I have never worked with sheet metal. I usually print out my work with a laser printer becuase of the toner is easier to work with. Is it possible to heat up the sheet metal with say a butane torch to get the metal hot and then lay the arkwork on it and apply pressure to make the toner stick to the metal? Or, put the artwork on the metal FIRST clamp another peice of metal on top and then heat up the metal to make the transfer?. Any ideas?
KenMattM - Nov 25, 2007 - 02:02 PM Post subject:
I've never heard of printing on sheet metal, but I don't see why it wouldn't be possible.
Maybe iron-on decals thay you print on t-shirts using a thermal ink printer would work? They used to be fairly pricey but it was a cool project for the kids. They used to be sold at retail outlets (Target, K-Mart, etc.) in the pc printer area.MattM - Nov 25, 2007 - 02:08 PM Post subject:
On second thought, whatever you did on copper will probably work on aluminum and steel. The galvanizing on sheet metal is zinc, a metal with similar in its pourosity properties as copper. Zinc has a tendency to turn dark under a torch because of its low melting temperature, so be aware of that. I'd think milled aluminum or stainless steel would make nice canvas for you. Most sheet metal today is usually given a little oil to help seperate layers, so you will want to wash it off with some soapy water. Otherwise it should work.
Very interesting idea to use plain toner.kwhord - Nov 27, 2007 - 11:17 PM Post subject:
This is above me. I use a scratch awl!MattM - Nov 29, 2007 - 05:36 AM Post subject:
Toner is heat sensitive. If I understand him correctly he's using the print on the paper kind of like an iron on to transfer the art from paper to metal.