PCB Etching - I've had an idea!

Papa_lazerous · February 22, 2007, 10:08:42 PM

Ok this just popped in my head...

Etching pcb's isnt a very quick process at the best of times, I was thinking what if instead of etching your board normally you suspended it in a jar of etchant. But lowered in an airstone and air line connected to a little air pump (all aquarium equipment) I figure it would help circulate fresh etchant and stop the crud building up on the board that you normally have to wiggle the board about to remove.

Was thinking of this as I am packing to move house and came across a spare pump and airstone

Wont be able to check this idea out for some time though

O · February 22, 2007, 10:13:18 PM

The etching kits that most electronic places sell have an air pump and an airstone. What you should also do is take that idea further and get an aquarium heater and heat the etchant while you aerate it.

QSQCaito · February 22, 2007, 10:17:15 PM

I did that after Marlon died, my goldfish. I believe it's not worth it. It's better hot FeCl, and to move strongly the pcb... without stopping.. i would attach it to a battery drill

it would be faster indeed :p

Papa_lazerous · February 22, 2007, 11:03:03 PM

Hmmmmm *devious thought*

I just happen to have 2 heaters spare Muhahaha

markm · February 22, 2007, 11:23:29 PM

I find it unneccessary to heat the etchant or even move it around at all.

Just hang 'em in the jar and let it do it's thing.!

jlullo · February 22, 2007, 11:26:50 PM

mark,
really? i find that if i don't heat it up it takes SO long to etch. also, i've noticed on some boards, if i leave it too long it wants to start breaking through the pnp. weird, huh?

by the way, for some reason whenever i see that picture i want to see flies swarming around the jar

i normally put the PCB in a plastic baggy, pour etchant inside, and then put it in a cool whip container full of steaming hot water

O · February 22, 2007, 11:29:53 PM

Patience is not a strongpoint of mine, so I always etch with very warm etchant. I can usually knock a board out in under 3 minutes or less depending on the traces.

markm · February 22, 2007, 11:32:33 PM

Quote from: O on February 22, 2007, 11:29:53 PM
Patience is not a strongpoint of mine, so I always etch with very warm etchant. I can usually knock a board out in under 3 minutes or less depending on the traces.

Heh!!
I read the posts Here while I'm etching most of the time!!

Quote from: jlullo on February 22, 2007, 11:26:50 PM

by the way, for some reason whenever i see that picture i want to see flies swarming around the jar

Papa_lazerous · February 23, 2007, 12:08:50 AM

3 minutes!

My boards take about 10-20 depending on size etc. Just neough time to make a coffee and drink it

Paul Perry (Frostwave) · February 23, 2007, 12:56:08 AM

I've used an aquarium heater & bubble stone (persulphate needs a bit of warming).
If you use a heater, make sure none of the etchant can get anywhere near any metal parts

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PCB Etching - I've had an idea!