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Copper Etchants

MG Chemicals offers both Ammonium Persulfate and Ferric Chloride etchants as part of our portfolio of Electronics Prototyping products for circuit board fabrication.  Ammonium persulfate offers a cleaner alternative over more traditional etchants, while Ferric Chloride comes ready-to-use with no required mixing or further preparation.

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Copper Etchants
415 – Ferric Chloride

415 – Ferric Chloride

MG Chemicals’ 415 Ferric Chloride is a ready to use copper etchant solution for printed circuit board and photoengraving processes. Ferric chloride etching can be done on a variety of metals.

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415 – Ferric Chloride

415 – Ferric Chloride

MG Chemicals’ 415 Ferric Chloride is a ready to use copper etchant solution for printed circuit board and photoengraving processes. Ferric chloride etching can be done on a variety of metals.

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  • RoHS and CARB compliant – No regulatory restrictions
  • Easy to use – Requires no dilution
  • Fast-acting – Plating within 30 seconds of immersion
  • Good adhesion – Does not delaminate
  • Improves solderability – Cleans surfaces for better solder wetting
  • Protects pads – Prevents corrosion of copper pads and solder joints

How do I know when the etching process is complete?

The ammonium persulfate solution is clear and you can therefore inspect the etch process to see when it is complete. 30-60 minutes is a typical etch time but this can vary substantially. Ferric chloride is a dark brown solution so the board will have to be removed and checked for completion. Typical copper etching takes about 30 minutes but again, this can vary so be diligent with periodic checks.

How do I dispose of spent solution?

The easiest way is to simply store the spent solution in a non-metallic container such as glass or plastic and contact your local hazardous disposal authority. You can likely bring the spent solution to them and they will dispose of this for you. Alternatively, you can neutralize the liquid portion by adding baking soda or sodium hydroxide until you reach a pH of roughly 7 (test with litmus paper to check). Once neutralized, add water and the liquid can be poured down the drain. The copper should collect at the bottom as a sludge. Retain the sludge and contact the local hazardous disposal authority on how to properly dispose.

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