On 20/09/2010 13:27, csit044 wrote:
> Getting back into this after many years absence, and am looking to etch my first simple PCB - the idea is to create the mask via a laser printer on inkjet photo paper, and then 'ironing' on the mask and etching with ferric chloride. My question is what do people do with the 'used' solution - I used to stick it back in the bottle and replace it when it took too long to etch a board, ie it was 'saturated'?
>
> Is this a good approach or is it better to use (fresh) small amounts each time and dump it, in which case where?
>
> In any event I would end up with a bottle of old etchant to get rid of, is there a safe/green approach?
I make up a litre of the FeCl3 solution. I use a small quantity each
time, with constant agitation in a small container with an outer
container of very hot (just boiled) water. I just pour it back into the
bottle when I've finished. It does lots of boards.
Leon
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Leon Heller
G1HSM