SIMPLE AND CHEAP TECHNIQUE
FOR PHOTOETCHING YOUR OWN PARTS

The photoetching technique allow to make thin and tough parts, because obtained from metal (copper or brass). But it's not so easy for the modeler to make use of this technique, because of the required equipment. This equipment is also used by electronics specialists to obtain the printed circuits.

Some years ago I've tested the technique without acid-etching machine. The awfully long etching time and the results, though encouraging, didn't incite me to continue this way (see the page about photoetching in the Discovery construction logbook)

With the Mac Gyver's Jeep project and all the parts to recreate (the original parts on the model being too much simplified), I took again my inquiries to simplify and to optimize the technique. And for the cheapest cost!

WARNING

This technique, though simple, uses dangerous chemicals because corrosive. It's not to put between all the hands, with the risk to see it ruined (the hands!) or worse. Respect the safety instructions on the packagings, wear protection clothes, gloves, glasses and a respiratory mask during the most dangerous phase, during the etching. At last, work outside to minimize the danger of the gas emanations.
If this instructions are respected, then it will be your pleasure to produce your own photoetched parts!

PROBLEMS TO SOLVE
Printing on metal sheets
For my test on the Discovery model I've used a special paper with a contrast reinforcing spray. If you say special paper you say expensive product, not including the photosensitive varnish to spray on sheets, with uncertain results in spite of many tests. In fact it was my major problem, the drawing transfer was not perfect because of the non regularity of the photosensitive varnish.

Etching of the metal sheets
The time to etch the 0,2 mm thick brass was very long, between 2 and 4 hours according to the ferric chloride bath clogging state. It was because I didn't use acid-etching machine, which have a heating element and an air pump to mix the acid. The heating and mixing allow to accelerate the etching.

EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS USED
0,2 mm thick brass.
Chlorydric acid
.
35 % hydrogen peroxide.
Water.
Methylated spirits.
Acetone.
Heating iron.
Leaflet paper from the letterbox!
Scotch-brite.
Washing powder.

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