Homebrew PCBs

Anyone have a spare ultrasonic cleaner? Makes alot of surface action.

Myc

On 7/17/06, lcdpublishing <lcdpublishing@...> wrote:
>
>   Hi Guys,
>
> Just thought I should provide a quick update on the super bubbler
> project - works great!
>
> Total etch process...
>
> Print layout on Dell Catalog pages using HP Laser 6P printer
> Soak in water for a minute, rub off paper
> Touch up specks along edge of board - good elsewhere
> Drill two holes for hanger wire
> Drop in tank with bubbles going
> Go into office to get stop watch to time it
> Come out and nearly half done on etching - didn't start watch
> Total etch time 3~4 minutes give or take a minute
>
> The etchant is a brand new batch of Ferric chloride mixed up this
> morning. Temperature of shop at time of etching was about 85
> degrees F.
>
> Etching was fairly even - more so that with old bubbler stone and
> fish tank pump. MUCH FASTER, at least 4 times faster, perhaps even
> more.
>
> Interesting observation was the bubbles and splatter. WIth the
> little fish tank pump, I would almost always get a foam on the
> surface. These little bubble would pop and spray a fine mist over
> the work area. This system is using big bubbles and they don't seem
> to throw the mist as far. As this is new etchant, this could
> contribute to that effect. As the etchant ages, it may foam more so
> I will watch for this.
>
> The Dell catalog pages worked perfectly for the transfer. Only the
> edges of the board needed a bit of touch up. This could be that the
> paper was trimmed a tiny bit smaller than the PCB. No pin holes
> anywhere in the transfer or etching.
>
> So, I suspect good agitation really speeds up the etching process -
> A LOT!
>
> Chris
>
>  
>


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