Photo Etching anyone?

[xsoul]

So I just discovered something new by visiting this board, and that's photo etching, it sounds neat! The process sounds very similar to silk screening but with acids and metal. I knew visiting this board would bring me new insights on fabricating new stuff to build and to build with.

Doesn't sound too popular here as I found only a few threads about it, but who does it here? How extensive is your setup?

 

[treker2557]

You can look up how to do acid etching through a google search and some basic videos can be found on youtube. Their is also a yahoo group that you can join and talk to some of those members.

http://tech.dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/

http://www.starshipmodeler.com/tech/fh_pe.htm

The technique takes practice and works out best when you buy a laminator and good printer. The acid and such for better grade is expensive to ship. I would honestly just make the file in say adobe fireworks (a vector type program) and send your file to a company to make what you need. They will charge you a flat rate fee then you'll have to place a min order so maybe 10 sheets or so. If it's for a popular project sell on ebay or a forum.

Hope it helps

 

[xsoul]

Hey, thanks for the info. Do you have any suggestions on a good site that offer services for photo etching in small quantities? I like to try it out before buying any equipment to try on my own.

I can't say I really want to mass produce things and sell them as I would get very bored making the same thing over and over. I would rather have the customization of my own setup if I find photo etching works for me. Though playing with acids sounds a bit scary, as if I need more volatile chemicals in the air to with sanding and painting.