Regeneration of Etchants
October 1981
As the cost of etching continues to rise, regeneration of
the etchant becomes more and morc attractive. This
paper will discuss the advantages of regeneration when
etching many types of metals and alloys induding the
saving of time, chemicals. work space and monetary costs.
Some general advantages of regeneration are:
I. Reduced cost.
2. Practically no down time for emptying and cleaning
out of equipment.
3. Steady etch rate.
4. Less spent etchant to dispose of, yet it is more in
demand.
a. Unregenerated Ferric chloride will hold only
about 1/2 lb. of copper per gallon.
b. Regenerated cupric chloride will hold 1 1/4 lb. of
copper per gallon.
c. Unregenerated ferric chloride (42″ Be’) will hold
approximately 1/2 lb. of iron per gallon, while
regenerated ferric chloride will hold approximatcly
2 lb.
d. Unregenefatcd ferric chloride, 20 Be’, will hold
approximately 3 oz. of aluminum per gallon. while
in the regenerated state it will hold 6-7 oz. per
gallon.
Mark A. Reilly, DEA
