Page 33 - PCMI Summer Journal 2021
P. 33
An Overview of the Operation of Ferric Chloride Regeneration Systems in Photochemical Etching Machines Presented by: Kirk Lauver, the Marketing Specialist, Chemcut Corporatio7n/,2U7S/21
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18-8 SST Contains ~18% Chromium, ~8% Nickel, 2-4% Others, Balance is Iron For the calculation: 74% Fe, 18% Cr, 8% Ni
Typical Alloys are 302/304, A2
Ferric Chloride Conc. Vs Grams/Liter 18-8 SST Etched
Regeneration curve levels off when the
percent iron is the same as in the alloy
• Reduce or eliminate declining etch rates of batch processing
• Increase available production time by reducing bath changes.
Note: When regeneration is used, the etching solution must still be removed from the machine for maintenance and cleaning.
The cleaning interval is often 4-6 weeks.
• Reduce the volume of new and spent etching solution
• Improve productivity rate – higher, consistent etching rate
• Improve product yield – less frequent process adjustments
Issue 137 August 2021 PCMI Journal 33
