How to Etch a Circuit Board
Put on the goggles and gloves (non-optional!)., Make sure the area is well ventilated before mixing., Use a non-metallic basin., Gently pour one part hydrochloric acid into every two parts hydrogen peroxide (add acid to water).,Make enough of the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Put on the goggles and gloves (non-optional!).
Always remember safety first.
You can easily blind yourself! -
Step 2: Make sure the area is well ventilated before mixing.
The chemicals will produce hazardous fumes.
You can lose your sense of smell! , Check if it can withstand the acid using a few drops. , When mixed, they form a substance that is a severe skin irritant, and will produce toxic chlorine gas.,, The solution will get warmer and fume more.
Don't put your face over it!,, Wash the board off in cold water to remove any etching solution.
Then use a paper towel or rag to dry it off completely.
Set it aside.
Assure that there is no solution in the workspace or containers then remove the gloves and goggles. , Take a paper towel, dip it into the solution, and gently rub it over the surface of the board.
The permanent marker will begin to come off.
Continue rubbing until all the marker is gone.
You should see that your circuit is now inscribed in the copper. , Don't pour it in the sink when you are done.
It is illegal to do so and might damage your pipes.
You can reuse the solution by adding a bit of Hydrogen Peroxide right before the next etch and a bit of acid when the solutions stops working (every 4 or 5 etches).
Store the solution in a completely new and different container and not pour it back into the hydrogen peroxide or HCL container.
If you have to dispose of it label it and give it to chemical waste facility.
You can also fell out the copper (video) and then safely pour the remaining liquid in the sink. -
Step 3: Use a non-metallic basin.
-
Step 4: Gently pour one part hydrochloric acid into every two parts hydrogen peroxide (add acid to water).
-
Step 5: Make enough of the solution to completely submerge the circuit board.
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Step 6: Gently put in the circuit board and agitate it for about ten to fifteen minutes.
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Step 7: Continue stirring until all copper has dissolved
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Step 8: and the solution has taken on a slight green tinge.
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Step 9: For cleanup
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Step 10: make sure you are wearing gloves.
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Step 11: Mix a one to one ratio of acetone and rubbing alcohol.
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Step 12: The etching solution is toxic to fish and other water organisms.
Detailed Guide
Always remember safety first.
You can easily blind yourself!
The chemicals will produce hazardous fumes.
You can lose your sense of smell! , Check if it can withstand the acid using a few drops. , When mixed, they form a substance that is a severe skin irritant, and will produce toxic chlorine gas.,, The solution will get warmer and fume more.
Don't put your face over it!,, Wash the board off in cold water to remove any etching solution.
Then use a paper towel or rag to dry it off completely.
Set it aside.
Assure that there is no solution in the workspace or containers then remove the gloves and goggles. , Take a paper towel, dip it into the solution, and gently rub it over the surface of the board.
The permanent marker will begin to come off.
Continue rubbing until all the marker is gone.
You should see that your circuit is now inscribed in the copper. , Don't pour it in the sink when you are done.
It is illegal to do so and might damage your pipes.
You can reuse the solution by adding a bit of Hydrogen Peroxide right before the next etch and a bit of acid when the solutions stops working (every 4 or 5 etches).
Store the solution in a completely new and different container and not pour it back into the hydrogen peroxide or HCL container.
If you have to dispose of it label it and give it to chemical waste facility.
You can also fell out the copper (video) and then safely pour the remaining liquid in the sink.
About the Author
James Knight
Creates helpful guides on crafts to inspire and educate readers.
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