I tried this household chemical mixture, it works, but a lot slower.
Did not try heating or bubbler, only slight mechanical agitation.
Source:
http://lowpowerlab.com/blog/2012/12/15/cheap-pcb-etching-with-vinegar/#more-1 "The mix is about 60% vinegar and 40% hydrogen peroxide, with a good shake of regular salt (I use kosher pure salt which has larger crystals but will dissolve quickly and I get the impression is more effective than ionized salt but I could be wrong here."
After reading it, like dah, peroxy sulfuric etchant (vinegar is an acid-replacement for the sulfuric acid use in PCB etching operations).
In a small volume, the activity decreased rapidly, so changed the bath a few times, took about 45 minutes for a 1" x 2" with 1/2 oz cu. single sided. Vinegar also etches rust from metal very nicely, just don't leave too long or the metal will be severely etched too.
See also in this group:
Etching with sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide
#1506 Posted By:
twb8899 Send Email Thu Apr 17, 2003 8:54 am
Also review:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Stop-using-Ferric-Chloride-etchant!--A-better-etc/
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Sam Rod <mail4sam@...> wrote:
>
> Mike,
> Could I suggest. if you plan on making any more boards in the near future.
> I would still suggest doing a test piece.
> But in parallel I would also mix up a new small batch. and run the test side by side.
>
> you said
> "Almost a gallon of solution, with a small aquarium bubbler,24/7 for 6-8 months."
>
> my hats off to you. You have some determination!
>
> another suggestion. perhaps use your small aquarium bubbler to do the so called agitation.
> Im guessing even by hand you should see results in the 10-20 min range as a worse case scenario.
> for 1/2oz material.
>
> Best
> Sam
>
>
> On Sep 4, 2013, at 3:14 AM, mbushroe@... wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > >--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, <homebrew_pcbs@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
> >
> > >Curious When you say slow.
> >
> > >How long is that?
> >
> > Almost a gallon of solution, with a small aquarium bubbler,24/7 for 6-8 months.
> >
> > >from what I gather I would say 1/2oz per 5-10 mins is about the average.
> >
> > >depending on factors like. agitation, bubbles,heat and the CuCl level.
> >
> > I think more like 3- 45 minutes for 1/2 ounce copper, agitated by hand.
> >
> > I have not kept close watch on the solution for a long time, I don't know if it has 'aged' well in CuCl, or just spent itself on contaminants. Yes, I reed to run a test sample soon to find out how it currently works.OR maybe through another 50 - 100 grams of copper in there to let it chew onKE
> >
> > You could always drop a test piece (1/2x1/2 pcb) in and time it. when done stick it along with the notes about its times and particulars. this way you can have some way of knowing what to expect in the future.
> >
> > I do feel obligated to ask. when you said
> >
> > "> I left mine bubbling over the winter. "
> >
> > how long was that really for? Ive never left mine bubbling for more than an hour ... ever.
> >
> > (the 1 hour period was a stress test and break in)
> >
> > Sam
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com , <mbushroe@> wrote:
> >
> > >
> >
> > > I left mine bubbling over the winter. It is now a dark green and very opaque. On the other hand, I have not etched a new board in quite some time, so I don't know if it has gotten better or worse. But before I left it bubbling, the fresh hydrogen peroxide and hydrochloric acid solution, even after heating in the microwave, was still very slow.
> >
> > > Mike
> >
> > >
> >
> >
>