For
use in the etching process of professional looking printed circuit boards using
M.G. Chemicals positive photofabrication products. Excellent for prototyping or
small production run requirements.
WARNING:
Avoid skin contact with the etchant or direct breathing of vapor. Always wear
protective gloves, eyewear and clothing. Use in a well ventilated area.
Cleanup
with warm soapy water. Used Ferric Chloride Solution etchant can be placed back
into the original container. Please note Ammonium Persulphate needs to be transferred
into a vented container of plastic or glass because it continues to gas off after
use. Failure to use a vented container will cause gas buildup and will rupture
the container. Always write "waste material" on the containers of used chemicals
and dispose of them in an environmentally safe fashion in compliance with local
waste regulations.
M.G. Chemicals cat #416-ES Etching Kit contains the following
items:
- 5.6 liter (1.5 gallon) plastic tank and lid
- Light duty
air pump
- Single line sparging unit including air hose
- Single pair of latex
disposable gloves
- This kit contains no chemical products.
Instructions:
- Set up the tank on a stable surface, in a secure area where you will be working.
Fill tank with etchant of choice (Ferric Chloride Solution or Ammonium Persulphate
), to desired level. Do not fill above 3.5 cm (1.5 inches) from the top of the
tank.
- Position the sparging unit in the tank with the air tubing exiting
from the top of the tank. Place the air pump above the level of etching solution
to prevent a back flow of etchant into the pump.
Connect the airline from
the sparger to the air output on the pump. The pump is turned on and off by plugging
into your electrical outlet. No adjustments are required to control the air flow
into the sparging unit. - Place your board(s) that are READY FOR THE ETCHING
PROCESS in between the rails of the sparging unit. For best results it is recommended
that MG Chemicals 600 series presensitzed copper clad boards be used.(Refer to
M.G.Chemicals'photofabrication instructions located with every 600 series board).
Submerge sparging unit until the boards are completely covered by the etchant.
To produce a more consistent etch, turn the boards over after 5-10 minutes in
the etching solution. Periodically check the boards to see when they are finished
the etching process. This should take approximately 30 minutes. Leaving the boards
in the etchant for too long may result in over etching and possible damage to
board and traces.
- To remove used etchant from tank. Always use
protective equipment for yourself and surrounding areas when using or transfering
etchant. Refer to Material Safety Data Sheets for recommended safety equipment
and emergency response procedures in case of spills. Place the container you are
using for used etchant below the bottom level of the etchant tank and be sure
your syphon hose can reach both. If you do not have an appropriate syphon hose,
M.G. Chemicals cat#416-D syphon hose is available where you purchased this kit.
To prevent the flow of liquid, close the shut-off clamp on the hose end. Submerge
hose in water to completely fill it up. When filling the hose with water be sure
all air is removed from the hose. Place the clamp end of the hose into the container
your are transferring to and put the other end of the hose towards the bottom
of the etchant tank. Release the shut-off clamp. Water will begin to flow into
the container and quickly turn to etchant. While syphoning always watch the container
you are filling into, use shut off clamp to stop syphoning before container gets
to full to prevent accidental spillage. Once the etchant level has dropped down
and syphoning is completed, carefully pour the remaining etchant into your container
using a funnel. Seal container and write "Waste Material" on it. Store and dispose
of used etchant as outlined on the Material Safety Data Sheet for that product.
Clean up with warm water.