On Wed, 05 May 2004 15:51:57 -0000, cpexed <
cpexed@...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I am just diving into to PCB design. What etchant do you recommend
> for starting out using toner transfer methods. I am not wanting to
> buy any hotplates or special tanks just use some old plastic
> tupperware.
some (me included) do like CuCl etchant very much.
It is made up of HCl, water, and H2O2.
It can be regenerated.
It works well without any agitation/heating in a tupperware container.
(and it does work with toner transfer)
More common is FeCl and persulphates.
>
> Also what is the proper way of disposing any used etchant? Are there
> places to bring used etchant, neutralizing solutions?
Neutralize it, and bring it to the local "hazardous waste disposal place"
no idea how you call it. The problem is not the acidity, but the copper.
It was suggested to mix it with concrete cement and dump it, the copper is
contained then.
some let it evaporate and dispose of the residue properly.
I myself am not too sure about this whole stuff, I simply can't imagine
that
copper should be more dangerous than some other chemicals that are put
down the
drain in huge amounts. I wonder if there is no copper washed of copper
roofs by acidic
rain.
There is also the saying "the solution to pollution is dilution".
ST