PCB Etching - Tutorial Video

[deadastronaut]

@paul:  hold fire on that...i just inspected my etch with a magnifier, and its guite grainy, i'm not sure whether  its my toner on its last legs or the method....

i'm going to print off some on normal 150gsm photoi paper and look for any difference.....hope its not my toner running out......arghhhhh.....

back later..

[chromesphere]

np deadastro, let me know how you go.  I hope it works, seems like a good idea to me!
Paul

[deadastronaut]

hmmm...good news:  its not my toner running out..printed and etched one on 150gsm glossy...came out perfect....full image/traces

bad news: printed and etched with sticky label backing paper...nice and easy..full image too but some grainy /pitted traces...shame!...

its ok, but the backing paper has a slight bumpy surface..well the stuff i used has....so thats why...hmmm...

i'll stick with the glossy rub off method for now then...

i'll keep my eyes open for a different brand of label stuff though...ok.   

[cctsim]

"Where can you buy ammonium persulphate in UK ?"

Here:

http://uk.farnell.com/cif/ar44/ammonium-persulfate-bag-1l/dp/1783552

Steve

Is this the same ? It says in the specs:

Ferric Chloride Type: Liquid
Production Chemical Type: Ferric Chloride

It looks that is a different type than in the video.

[chromesphere]

Thanks deadastronaut.  Shame, it seemed like a good idea.  I might still give it a go and see if i can get something that works.  Never know, could be the brand of sticker labels or something.  I'll give it a test run next etch (which admittedly, wont be for a while).

cctsim, i agree.  Doesnt sound like the right stuff.  I think ferric chloride is used in a different etching process (the one we used to use at school).  The ammonium persulphate is in crystal form.  I get mine from jaycar.com.au.  Might be pricey to ship,  you'd have to check, but might be an option if you get stuck.

Edit: heres a link - http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=NC4254&keywords=ammonium+persulphate&form=KEYWORD

Paul

[SteveG]

"Is this the same ? It says in the specs:

Ferric Chloride Type: Liquid
Production Chemical Type: Ferric Chloride

It looks that is a different type than in the video."

I think there's a mistake in the description. You get that occasionally with online and printed catalogues, where they cut and paste the wrong info. The data sheet is for ammonium persulphate.

Steve

[CodeMonk]

I use Muratic Acid/Hydrogen peroxide to etch, and the thermal transfer method.
Want to go the UV route someday though.

But, my reason for this post....
Plating the copper.

I have used something called "Tinnit".
Works fairly well.
The only problem I have with this stuff is, after you mix it, it has a shelf life of 2 months.

I saw a PCB tutorial not long ago.
For "plating" the copper, the guy used some kind of clear liquid.
Poured some into a glass/plastic tray, tossed the board in and let it get plated.
Then he put the used liquid back in to bottle.

I can't find that tutorial now and want to know what he may have used for the plating.
Seems like a very easy and less messy way to plate.

Any ideas?