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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Etching Chemicals

From: Adam Seychell <adam_seychell@...>
Date: 2004-01-06

Stefan Trethan wrote:

>>Any attempt to remove the copper in the long run? Or do you dispose and
>>start over every so often?
>>
>
> no attempt yet.
> maybe some electroplating could work.
> but maybe all you get is cloring gas....
>

Yes, you cannot electroplate without chlorine gas evolving
from the anode. You need carbon anodes, not even platinum
will survive. I've read about a boron doped conductive
diamond film anodes that work ok with chlorine.

You let the solution grow and when the volume becomes too
high for the tank, some is removed and disposed of. The idea
of regeneration is to keep the tank filled with optimum
working etchant. You do not dispose of the entire tank
contents and restart with fresh solution, that would be very
wasteful.

Adam