Homebrew PCBs

Has anyone out there done copper etching with ammonia
hydroxide and copper sulfate solution ? I'm interested in
learning new ways of making the ammonical etching tank for
hobbyist. Currently I have a working etching tank based on
this chemistry. The major problem witht his type of etchant
is ammonia fumes. The way I solved this was to build a
sealed tank and have a slotted opening on the lid for
inserting the PCB. When the tank is not in use the slot is
sealed with a rubber strip leaving the tank almost air
tight. I would like to here what others have done.

Adam S

Hello Adam,

Friday, April 19, 2002, 5:04:15 AM, you wrote:

AS> Has anyone out there done copper etching with ammonia
AS> hydroxide and copper sulfate solution ? I'm interested in
AS> learning new ways of making the ammonical etching tank for
AS> hobbyist. Currently I have a working etching tank based on
AS> this chemistry. The major problem witht his type of etchant
AS> is ammonia fumes. The way I solved this was to build a
AS> sealed tank and have a slotted opening on the lid for
AS> inserting the PCB. When the tank is not in use the slot is
AS> sealed with a rubber strip leaving the tank almost air
AS> tight. I would like to here what others have done.

AS> Adam S



AS> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
AS> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

AS> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 


And I replied:

Why  ammonia?  For  homemade  PCB's  good  results  can  be  achieved  using
combination of CuCl and HCl. No fumes and can be bubble assisted.

-- 
 Best Regards,
 Zoran
 mailto:zasto@...

"Zoran A. Scepanovic" wrote:

> Hello Adam,
>
> Friday, April 19, 2002, 5:04:15 AM, you wrote:
>
> AS> Has anyone out there done copper etching with ammonia
> AS> hydroxide and copper sulfate solution ? I'm interested in
> AS> learning new ways of making the ammonical etching tank for
> AS> hobbyist. Currently I have a working etching tank based on
> AS> this chemistry. The major problem witht his type of etchant
> AS> is ammonia fumes. The way I solved this was to build a
> AS> sealed tank and have a slotted opening on the lid for
> AS> inserting the PCB. When the tank is not in use the slot is
> AS> sealed with a rubber strip leaving the tank almost air
> AS> tight. I would like to here what others have done.
>
> AS> Adam S
>
> AS> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> AS> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> AS> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
> And I replied:
>
> Why  ammonia?  For  homemade  PCB's  good  results  can  be  achieved  using
> combination of CuCl and HCl. No fumes and can be bubble assisted.
>
> --

Thanks Zoran for your reply. It so happens that I need to selectively etch copper
and not attack tin metal. Ammonia/sulfate etchant can magically do this (I would
love to know the reasons why). Even aluminum and iron are safe in this solution.
Its unfortunate that almost zero literature exists on the subject.

How is your success with CuCl2 + HCl ? What are the concentrations used ? This
sounds like a good etchant I could use for normal PCB's.

Hello Adam,

Saturday, April 20, 2002, 1:01:10 AM, you wrote:

AS> How is your success with CuCl2 + HCl ? What are the concentrations used ? This
AS> sounds like a good etchant I could use for normal PCB's.

And I replied:

One of the sources: http://www.dnai.com/~rexa/Projects/CuCl_ech.html

I'm  also  using  an  old  portable  frig  for the same purpose and I'm very
satissfied.  Next  will  be  to  make the real etching tank, bubble assisted
(similar  design  to  one  that  can be found at www.thinktink.com) and with
temperature control.

-- 
 Best Regards,
 Zoran
 mailto:zasto@...