On Sat, 30 Mar 2013 07:31:42 -0700, you wrote:
>Has anyone used lye to etch aluminum through photo resist?
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>As a test, I put a strip of aluminum in lye plus water and after 15 minutes
>the strip was half of its original thickness. So there is no doubt that lye
>can etch VERY deep. But the chemical reaction generated a lot of heat and
>the tape I had on there quickly floated off. Next time I will use more
>water.
I did so a long time ago with photoresist, the back of the aluminum
was protected, and it was potassium hydroxide not sodium hydroxide. It
did work, though. I filled the etch with ink then lightly sanded the
surface. Worked well.
I'd do it with toner transfer were it not for the problems with
getting the entire piece of aluminum to temperature (as well as
potential thickness problems. Possibly a T shirt press would work.
also need a negative mask.
Harvey
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>I did have the lye and aluminum outside while I watched from inside. Nasty
>fumes!
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>Thanks,
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>Rick
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