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RoHS Compliant

Ferric Chloride

 
415
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  • Description
  • Technical Data
  • MSDS
  • Usage Instructions
  • FAQ
  • Resources

Copper Etchant

Ready to use solution designed for etching printed circuit boards and other metals. Recommended for use with M.G. Chemicals Professional Etching Process Kit (416-E) and M.G. Economy Etching Process Kit (416-ES).

 

Note: Do not dilute this product with water.

 

Available Sizes

Catalog Number Sizes Available Description
415-500ML 500 mL (17 oz) Liquid
415-1L 1 L (33 oz) Liquid
415-4L 4 L (1 gal) Liquid
415-20L 20 L (5.3 gal) Liquid
Technical Data
General Specifications:
Phase: Ferric chloride (FeCl3) liquid solution
Specific Gravity: 1.4
Molecular Weight: 162.21
Appearance: dark brown
Boiling Point: 106°C
pH (5% by volume): 1.0-2.0
Freezing Point: 0°C
Technical Specifications:
% FeCl3: 38.8
%FeCl2: 0.20
%HCl: 0.18
Insolubles: < 0.5
Metal Analysis:
Metal Result (mg/Kg)
Arsenic N/D
Bariuum N/D
Beryllium 4.8
Cadmium N/D
Chromium 64
Copper 77
Antimony N/D
Mercury N/D
Magnesium 15
Manganese 410
Silver N/D
Nickel 24
Titanium 18
Lead 59
Selenium N/D
Zinc 8.3
Vanadium 5.8
Sulfur 18
Thallium 2.7
Operating Conditions
Maximum Copper holding capacity 100 grams / liter or
(.33 square meters or 3.5 square feet of 1 oz copper clad board)
Etch rate 175-200 μin /minute @ 50-55°C
(μin= microinch)
Temperature 50-55°C
MSDS
Available MSDS:
Usage Instructions
Immerse copper board in solution and agitate until etching action is completed. Ferric Chloride can etch up to a maximum of 100g of copper per liter of solution (.33 square meters or 3.5 square feet of 1 oz copper clad board).

Etching process can be sped up by heating the solution to a temperature no higher than 55°C (135°F).

If you require further directions for etching or making a printed circuit board, consult the positive photofabrication process guide available free from your dealer.
FAQ
Q. How do I dispose of Ferric Chloride Solution?
A. There are two ways:
  1. Contact your local Hazardous Waste Disposal Company
  2. The solution must not be put down the drain because of residual copper ions left in it. To make it safe for disposal, you can add sodium carbonate (washing soda) or sodium hydroxide to it to neutralize it, until the pH value goes up to between 7.0 and 8.0, testing it with indicator paper. Copper will be deposited as a sludge. Allow the sludge to settle, pour off the liquid, further dilute it with water and then it can be poured down the drain. Collect the sludge in plastic bags and dispose of it as required by your local waste authority.


Q. The container of ferric chloride is not enough to fill my etching tank. Do I dilute it with water?
A. Do not dilute ferric chloride with water. You need enough ferric chloride to completely cover your board. You may require up to 5 liters on the Economy Etching kit and up to 7 liters on the Professional Etching Kit.

Directions of Use
Immerse copper board in solution and agitate until etching action is completed. Etching process can be sped up by heating the solution to a temperature no higher than 55°C (135°F). If you require further directions for etching or making a printed circuit board, consult the positive photofabrication process guide available free from your dealer.
Resources

Related Appguides:

 

Review training videos and instructional guides in MG's Support Center