On page 55 of the Micro-Mark catalog there is an ad for their new metal etching system. IT seems like a great way to make details that are not available on the market.
Any one use one of these bad boys?
BUMP
I have the same question Chip. How is the project coming?
Getting there. Today I moved all the electrical from a wall that is coming out and reconnected it to a new wall.
I don’t have one but it’s like an etching method for printed circuit boards. I have etched PCB’s using a resist pen instead of the lament film. Temperature is a big factor to control when etching. The thickness of the brass would also be a factor in timing.
If you ever developed your own B&W film, it’s a lot like that but without the need for a safe light. PCB’s really don’t need fine detail, but it’s probably a little tricky etching brass with sharp detail and you would have to expect to waste some materials until you get the hang of it.
But there are a few things you may or may not be aware of.
The etching solution has to be replenished or replaced periodically. It’s very caustic and clean up and disposal is something not fun to deal with. Certainly not something you want to dump down your drain. First find out if your city has a household hazardous waste collection day or a site. All containers must be marked with it’s proper chemical name. The work area must be well ventilated and on a surface that won’t be damaged from spilled etching solution.
I know you’re careful Chip, but I have to say children must not have access to the work area and the etching solution kept locked up. When stored, the bottle (including the waste chemical) should sit inside a plastic tub (overpack) with enough volume to contain the entire contents of the bottle should the bottle leak.
Now this may sound like a big hassle, but only if you don’t have a safe place to work and store chemicals properly.