prof328
Member
Absolutely new to electronics, and my first post.
I bought a pcb starter kit from Maplins, decided to try the hydrochloric acid and peroxide etchant, bought the components and mixed a small batch.
However when I came to etch the solution did not work as I imagined, after three unsuccessful attempts I concluded the plastic/polythene tray was causing the problem.
The acid seemed to be attacking the plastic tray and forming a slimy film that interfered with the etch process.
To verify this I bought a ceramic dish, mixed a new batch of etchant and tried again, the experience was in complete contrast worked as expected with no slime generation.
Nowhere, had I read that the etchant used may be a problem with plastic trays.
Just thought I would post this in case it may save someone else the same problem.
Incidentally, I have yet to produce a workable pcb my new problem is the fine traces between pins, they fail to etch properly leaving tiny connections between the pads and the traces, but I will persevere, I can’t make the pads any smaller so I will thin the trace at that point in the hope to get better clearance.
I bought a pcb starter kit from Maplins, decided to try the hydrochloric acid and peroxide etchant, bought the components and mixed a small batch.
However when I came to etch the solution did not work as I imagined, after three unsuccessful attempts I concluded the plastic/polythene tray was causing the problem.
The acid seemed to be attacking the plastic tray and forming a slimy film that interfered with the etch process.
To verify this I bought a ceramic dish, mixed a new batch of etchant and tried again, the experience was in complete contrast worked as expected with no slime generation.
Nowhere, had I read that the etchant used may be a problem with plastic trays.
Just thought I would post this in case it may save someone else the same problem.
Incidentally, I have yet to produce a workable pcb my new problem is the fine traces between pins, they fail to etch properly leaving tiny connections between the pads and the traces, but I will persevere, I can’t make the pads any smaller so I will thin the trace at that point in the hope to get better clearance.