Of course, I don't know how those bubbles are made or how they are made to collapse from heat, so for all I know that layer still uses chemicals that currently slip through regulations. But I can also imagine that it is doable to create such a "functional layer" with safe materials.
It's been regulated since 2020 in Europe at least.
> As part of the EU’s REACH Regulation Annex XVII, a restriction banning Bisphenol A (BPA) content in thermal paper above 0.02% by weight came into effect on January 2, 2020. This prohibition was implemented due to health concerns associated with BPA exposure
bpa free thermal paper is pretty easy to source from anywhere now because of this.
Yeah I was excited about such a project concept until I saw it was thermal printer. Would love a little Polaroid type camera with inexpensive film for my kids to play with, but I don’t want them playing with thermal paper, kids put literally everything in their mouths.
Sure, but what about other costs. You can pick up a poloroid for about $50-75 on ebay. With this one, you will need to buy things like a 3D printer (and the necessary accessories, like filament), the rasperry pi, battery pack, printer, etc. Yes, the thermal paper is cheaper over all, but the cost will be a lot more up front, even if it work out over time.
Don't get me wrong, this is a cool toy, but the title is definitely a bit off.
The printer is about 20 euro, raspberry pi zero is currently 10 euro, pi zero camera is 14 euro. I don't know how much 3d printing services cost, since i have my own printer. Powerbank depends on which powerbank you choose. Cost difference is probably less than you'd expect
While I did just buy a 3D printer, I want to enlighten the community: many public libraries now have maker spaces. I recommend checking those out if you want to do one off stuff
Note it's just a 3D printable stand for tiny printer labels (16mm wide). It was a literal 5 minute project but I liked the retro and restrictive aesthetic enough to share..
Such printer as shown is an absolute bargain at £15
Looking at all ready-made options on Amazon and elsewhere - anyone who will roll out an adult-oriented well-made single-button camera that takes in standard thermal paper rolls will make a fortune. This is such a great thing to have for get-togethers and parties. But it's essential to not being bound by $X/shot proprietary cartridges and be able to shoot and snap without thinking. Mementos for everyone!
* ... without thinking of costs involved. $2 per polaroid with half of them not even developing properly is a bit too high for spontaneous photography urges.
I bought such a thing for my daughter and it's great fun but this old codger will never cease to be amazed at how much tech is available for such a small amount of money - the digital camera functions normally, takes video too, the system has basic games and a vivid LCD screen and there's a thermal printer - all in a cute moulded package. £25 ours cost.
One of my kids just got a $13 “smart watch” which has a touch screen, camera with filters/editor, microSD storage, plays MP3s, records voice memos, has games, and more I’m probably forgetting.
It absolutely blows my mind how cheap tech is these days.
> As part of the EU’s REACH Regulation Annex XVII, a restriction banning Bisphenol A (BPA) content in thermal paper above 0.02% by weight came into effect on January 2, 2020. This prohibition was implemented due to health concerns associated with BPA exposure
so unless you're buying old rolls, or from non reputable sources, it shouldn't be an issue in the EU at least.
https://www.koehlerpaper.com/en/products/Thermal-paper/TH_Bl...
It supposedly works by using a layer of reflective bubbles that collapses when exposed to heat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc1mlCThevg&t=20s
Of course, I don't know how those bubbles are made or how they are made to collapse from heat, so for all I know that layer still uses chemicals that currently slip through regulations. But I can also imagine that it is doable to create such a "functional layer" with safe materials.
> As part of the EU’s REACH Regulation Annex XVII, a restriction banning Bisphenol A (BPA) content in thermal paper above 0.02% by weight came into effect on January 2, 2020. This prohibition was implemented due to health concerns associated with BPA exposure
bpa free thermal paper is pretty easy to source from anywhere now because of this.
If the law calls out BPA exclusively and not a more general description, it’s just a false sense of safety.
But this is definitely NOT for a poor man. Poor people buy a $20 camera on Amazon.
A time-rich person can afford this camera.
Lots of examples here: https://thermalprintcameras.wordpress.com
Of course one can still want to hack something like this yourself for fun or other reasons.
Note to website owner - it could be nice to have a permalink to the English version.
"I forgot to take a photo before I started humping one of printers"
Note it's just a 3D printable stand for tiny printer labels (16mm wide). It was a literal 5 minute project but I liked the retro and restrictive aesthetic enough to share..
Such printer as shown is an absolute bargain at £15
* ... without thinking of costs involved. $2 per polaroid with half of them not even developing properly is a bit too high for spontaneous photography urges.
A bit surprising that so many people in the comments would rather see links to cheap temu polaroid knockoffs.
It absolutely blows my mind how cheap tech is these days.
> As part of the EU’s REACH Regulation Annex XVII, a restriction banning Bisphenol A (BPA) content in thermal paper above 0.02% by weight came into effect on January 2, 2020. This prohibition was implemented due to health concerns associated with BPA exposure
so unless you're buying old rolls, or from non reputable sources, it shouldn't be an issue in the EU at least.