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volican
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I am undertaking a personal project that requires me to etch some circuit boards. This needs to be done on the cheap and in this instance it is not feasible to send to a PCB company. I am a bit put off by the nasty chemicals and the need for correct disposal. I know you can use Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide but I think it's still best to avoid if possible. I have had nightmares that someone might drink it by accident or something - I will be doing this at home.
I looked into using conductive inks but it seems like the ones that are any good are really expensive.
What do you think of this idea?
1. Screen print one of the cheap conductive inks onto a blank sheet of FR4 (no copper clad) to lay the tracks of the circuit.
2. Then electroform with copper so that you are left with copper tracks that have less resistance than the original conductive ink tracks
Not sure if that process is already well established but I couldn't find much on google. Do you think that would give a similar level of robustness and quality as if you had used chemical etching? I know that if you use salt as an electrolyte it can give off chlorine gas, what would be the safest option for electrolyte? I see copper sulphate mentioned a lot, is that a good choice?
Many thanks for your time, help and suggestions
I looked into using conductive inks but it seems like the ones that are any good are really expensive.
What do you think of this idea?
1. Screen print one of the cheap conductive inks onto a blank sheet of FR4 (no copper clad) to lay the tracks of the circuit.
2. Then electroform with copper so that you are left with copper tracks that have less resistance than the original conductive ink tracks
Not sure if that process is already well established but I couldn't find much on google. Do you think that would give a similar level of robustness and quality as if you had used chemical etching? I know that if you use salt as an electrolyte it can give off chlorine gas, what would be the safest option for electrolyte? I see copper sulphate mentioned a lot, is that a good choice?
Many thanks for your time, help and suggestions
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