Etched enclosures

[Mgt280y]

I have been playing about with etching methods for my next few enclosure etches.
I have a vinyl plotter which makes for very accurate masks but the couple I have tried have suffered with undercutting when using Fe2Cl3 not sure if this was due to the etch time or if the vinyl is adhesive is failling during the etch.
With using Fe2Cl3 if the solution is diluted (water?) it would obviously slow down the etch time has anyone ever experimented to see if this is all it does or weather it makes for a cleaner or worse etch as the etch would be less aggressive but the mask would be exposed for longer.
Also is there things that can be done to improve to adhesion of the vinyl to the aluminium heat enclosure first.
Not asking for all the answer just thought there is a lot of experience here  

[deadastronaut]

never tried vinyl, only toner, tried n tested with good results every time..

i suspect the adhesive would give way no matter what really..hmmm...

[Mgt280y]

Vinyl
Worked really well with electro etch method submerged but it takes ages to do and it tends to etch from the outside of the piece first so the edge is perfect and the centre of the work piece is only just starting to bite nice effect sometimes but not for text didn't get on very well with the toner transfer
These are some of the test pieces with vinyl and electro
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141176322@N02/shares/P2wseP
And then
Fe2Cl3
https://flic.kr/p/HciQYd
That was 3 ish min submerged should have been shorter but retrieval when a bit wrong 

[deadastronaut]

those look great....

[davent]

Just a thought as i've never tried this but... how are you ensuring absolute best adhesion of the vinyl to the enclosure? Maybe lay a sheet of paper over the vinyl and burnish the vinyl edges hard with the back of a large spoon, or if you have one,  a bone folder.

dave

[Mgt280y]

Tbh vinyl really grabs so all I've done is stuck them straight on and run a squeegee over it takes a bit of effort to remove after. I think heat would would help its just the best was to do that I'm not sure

[Jamdog]

Maybe don't submerge the enclosure in acid,  only spray it on top of the vynil masked surface?

[Mgt280y]

I haven't tried dipping method yet that seems controlled and it can be rinsed and Checked regularly until depth is achieved this may help with the vinyl too as temps well stay cooler will try again over the next week or so lots of trial and error good job I have lots of aluminium off cuts