View source for Stone Paper

[[File:Washing circuit.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Demonstrating the durability of a print on stone paper.]]
[[File:Circuit_on.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The first test circuit you print on your Argentum on Stone Paper]]

[[:Category:Substrates | Click here to see a full list of substrates that can be used with the Argentum printer.]]

= Description =
Stone paper is a relatively new substrate that was developed (not by Cartesian Co) for high durability stationery.  A good explanation of the make-up & uses is provided by Wikipedia [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stone_paper here].  In short, the material is made up from a HDPE base that is bonded with Calcium Carbonate which is the material often found in sea shells, pearls, egg shells & of course is common in stones.

This material was found to be a useful substrate for printing onto as it has a relatively smooth surface (as opposed to [[Linen Paper]]) which allows for better conductivity but still rough enough to provide good adhesion of the Silver particles.  Stone Paper also has good flexibility & is very durable (particularly it reacts very well under water & does not break down or warp significantly).  The major downside to Stone Paper is that it is based upon a thermoplastic (HDPE) which means that it warps drastically under heat but will also eventually break down under extreme heat.  This means that it is unable to be easily soldered to but it remains a perfect candidate for [[Z-Axis Tape]] and conductive glue.

= Where to Find =
This style of paper will be available from the [http://www.cartesianco.com/store/substrates Cartesian Co Web-store] shortly but can also be found in very similar forms in any art/craft stores as well as office supply stores.  In Queensland, Australia we have sourced this paper locally from Officeworks.

= Parameter Details =

{| align = "center" cellpadding="10"
|-
! Property
! Value
! Description

|- 
| [[File:Conductivity.jpg|center|75px]]
| [[File:4outOf5.jpg|center|50px]]
| '''4/5''' The conductivity of Stone Paper is quite high due to the consistency of the HDPE base.

|- 
| [[File:Resolution.jpg|center|75px]]
| [[File:4outOf5.jpg|center|50px]]
| '''4/5''' The resolution of a print on Stone Paper is quite high due to the relatively fine feature pattern of the stone roughness.  Also (unlike say canvas paper), ink does not wick into the material, which bleeds edges out.

|- 
| [[File:Solderability.jpg|center|75px]]
| [[File:1outOf5.jpg|center|50px]]
| '''1/5''' The solderability of Stone Paper is quite high low due to the thermal expansion & breakdown of the HDPE under high temperature.  Stone Paper is only suitable for [[Z-Axis Tape]] or Silver conductive epoxy.

|- 
| [[File:Durability.jpg|center|75px]]
| [[File:4outOf5.jpg|center|50px]]
| '''4/5''' The adhesion to Stone Paper is very good due to the micro scale roughness of the stone in the paper.  The material is also very resistant to water damage.  Scratching the surface will not remove very much Silver but can cause tears in the material.

|- 
| [[File:Flexibility.jpg|center|75px]]
| [[File:5outOf5.jpg|center|50px]]
| '''5/5''' Flexibility of Stone Paper is very useful, it can be bent to very tight radii repeatedly without damage.  The major downside is that because you cannot solder to the material, components must be connected via [[Z-Axis Tape]] or Silver conductive epoxy which do not react well to warping.

|- 
| [[File:Formability.jpg|center|75px]]
| [[File:5outOf5.jpg|center|50px]]
| '''5/5''' Stone paper is easily cut with scissors or a knife into intricate shapes.  It can also be safely laser cut without poisonous or corrosive fumes but the edges will tend to melt (look up laser cutting HDPE if interested).

|}

= Compatible Component Attachment Methods =

{| align = "center" cellpadding="10"

|-
| [[Silver Conductive Epoxy]]
| [[File:ConductiveEpoxy.jpg|center|75px]]

|-
| [[Z-Axis Tape]]
|[[File:ZAxisTape.jpg|center|75px]]

|}

[[Category:Substrates]]