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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Ferric Chloride - Alternatives

From: Russell Shaw <rjshaw@...>
Date: 2008-06-28

DJ Delorie wrote:
> John Michaud <greyfox1143@...> writes:
>> I didn't expect to generate so much attention to Ferric Chloride and
>> with that living in Oregon I've been concerned with the environment
>> so is there a environmentally safe method to etching?
>
> I'm switching to CuCl etching for that reason - nothing to throw away,
> unless you grow too much etchant. Even then, you can precipitate out
> the copper and recycle it.
>
> http://members.optusnet.com.au/~eseychell/PCB/etching_CuCl/
>
> That's what you need the HCl and H2O2 for.

Well Geez, i've been etching with the same tank of FeCl for 2 years.

Enviroweenies need not worry because this stuff is inorganic, just
like the naturally occuring lead, uranium, and radiation in the soil.

What's more, one of the bulk uses for FeCl is for treating sewage
to make it more "environment friendly" like.