Creating Printed Circuit Boards with a INKJET Printer

Step 7 Etch Your PCB Board

Now that you have your developed PCB you are going to use the etchant solution to remove the copper. Everything that green (or black) on  your design will be protected from the copper etchant. The exposed copper areas will be removed.

I used my Dremel and a router bit to cut out the 8 circuit boards off my 4"x6" panel. Next you will want to pour the copper etchant into a PLASTIC container and then gently rock it back and forth until all the exposed copper has been removed.

TIP: This is where the crock pots come in handy. If you use the etchant at room temperature it will take some time to fully remove all the copper. However, if you heat the etchant up, the process is a LOT quicker.

If you use the crock pot method, make sure you have good ventilation. This stuff smells bad heated, and don't inhale the fumes when you lift the lid of the crock pot!

Make sure you wear latex gloves and old clothes. The etchant will stain your clothes no matter how careful you think you will be.

Comments

[als_liahona]

What do you use on the dremel for cutting the boards?
Do you drill the holes prior to etching?
Thanks!

[fiearo]

I use a paper cutter like schools use. It makes a decent cut but don't use it on paper any more. I got mine from Harbor Freight Tools for $14.

[ArduinoFun]

I use a router bit that they sell for dremels to cut the boards with and then a sanding stone to smooth off the edges. I recently picked up a scroll saw for dirt cheap at a new uses store, and today I cut some boards with it. Works great. You can drill the holes prior or after etching. I have done it both ways.

[als_liahona]

Thanks much!  I tried using my scroll saw on a board and while it worked, the friction nearly caught the board on fire.  I'll try a dremel router bit.

[Shadyman]

So THAT's what that stand thing is for! Epic. Thanks!