DIY Etch Tank

In this instructable I am going to show you step by step how I made my own etch tank for doing my own PCB's. I use the etching solution I saw here on Instructables mixing the muriatic acid with hydrogen peroxide. It has a greenish tint because I added the little bit of ferric chloride I had left to it.

                                                                       Parts list

 

• Plexi-glass ( 1/4"- 1/2")
• PVC pipe ( 1/2"  I.D)
• PVC shut-off valve
• PVC elbow
• Small aquarium pump
• Plastic tubing for aquarium pump
• End cap for PVC pipe
• Super glue
• Water resistant siliconelectrical tape or duct tape
• Styro-foam or wood

Step 1 Prepping Materials

Cut the plexi-glass to the size you want to make your tank. Make sure you cut the sides the same outside diameter as the PVC. The PVC is going to be the bottom of the tank so it HAS to be a tight fit! I chose to keep my tank relitivly small because I never etch PCB's more than 5 inches square anyway. Once you have the 2 sides and the front & back done cut your PVC pipe to length, I cut my PVC 3/4" longer than the tank length to fit into the shut off valve then the valve should sit right on the edge of the side of your tank.

Comments

[rocketman221]

How well does the silicone hold up to the acid, and what type of silicone did you use?

I plan on making one of these and I don't want any leaks.

[Ghost Wolf]

You should have a picture or video with a PCB inside. I have never seen or known about something like this and I an curious how it works. By the way 5 star project you have there!

[andrew_h]

Great instructable. I have been wanting to make a tank for ages and this has given me some inspiration to do it. As an alternative to having the ball valve, perhaps a right angle bend could go there pointing up and then another piece of PVC pipe could go to the top of the tank. This would mean you have no chance of acid or other baddies coming out in the event that the pump tube came loose or disconnected and negates the need for the valve.

[cliffyd]

as for the elbow, it stays loose, fits snug in the valve so I cxan remove it to drain the tank if I want to. I can in fact point it upward, good idea!

[Kaelessin]

It also makes a great looking desk accessory lol . . .you ought to light it to really kick it up a notch! Kudos