Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

Hello Everyone,

First of all I thank people of this forum for contributing wealth of knowledge here, I am really amazed.

I am exploring possibilities to use "Gum bichromate" method (Gum + potassium bichromate) to develop PCB (Printed circuit boards). Basically to transfer circuit from transparent sheet to the copper-cladded-board treated with gum-bichromate.

My sole concern is about safety. It is well informed all over Internet that chromate compounds are deadly dangerous (for both use and disposal).

1) I would like to know is there any alternative which is more safe, easily available and economical when compared to potassium/ammonium bichromate? I don't want to go for toner transfer or dry film option, only photo-resists.

2) Secondly, do these bichromate remain dangerous/harmful after they are UV-exposed and developed with water? The harden material which remains after development, is that still hazardous?

Feel free to provide your views.

Regards,
Motif