Ferric chloride strength

B

boilermaker

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Aug 26, 2005
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G'day all, i've just found some ferric chloride at an electronics supply (Australia). My question is: The bottles of FC that i have are pre-diluted (it says on the bottle FeCl3 42% Water 58%.) how does this compare to the bottles of Archer etchant available in the US of A? i'm just trying to figure out wether to dilute the stuff i have further or use as is? any help is greatly appreciated:thumbup:


Keetha.
 
I like to use rain water and dilute the FE more than most people. I just pour it in the water until it is light amber colored. I like it weak and takes longer but I believe it etches with a smoother finish. Too strong and I get pits.
 
Thanks for your response Mr Bump, so i shouldn't get too hung up about ratio's as it just efects etching time? thanks once again:thumbup:
 
The FeCl3 will etch at whatever concentration it is at. It etches slower at more dilution. Most folks dilute the commercial 50% mix ( like yours) with three parts water ( 1 liter FeCl3 solution to 3 liters distilled water), making an approx. 12.5% solution. That makes a very controllable etchant strength.
Stacy
 
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