Calling all Etching Experts

[twebb6778]

So I decided to have a go at etching with sodium hydroxide, but can't for the life of me get the toner to transfer onto my enclosure. I'm laser printing on to high gloss 180gsm photo paper.

My first attempt was a failure, but seemed promising. The second attempt was woeful.

Has anyone experienced this? I feel like there's something I'm missing.

 

[twebb6778]

I'm using the printer at work because I've only got an inkjet at home. It's a Ricoh, one of those huge all in one types. I'm happy to invest in getting myself a decent laser printer if need to though, what would you recommend?

 

[Nostradoomus]

I got a Samsung m2020 express for 50 bucks on Craigslist, works like a charm haha

 

[twebb6778]

I'll see what I can find, thanks again!

 

[Mcknib]

I've got a HP1015 works well as I said I'm a cheapskate got it free on www.freecycle.org you should have a local one it's worldwide you never know there could be one listed

I actually gave the guy a spare drill I had in exchange didn't feel right taking it for nothing!

 

[twebb6778]

Success!

I picked up a cheap $10 printer from gumtree and got an incredibly good transfer on my first try, using the exact same method.

I'm over the moon with how this worked and really relieved that the problem was the printer, not me haha. Big thanks to Nostradoomus and Mcknib helping me through this, you guys are legends

Now to actually etch this thing!

 

[Mcknib]

Excellent

When you're etching as soon as you start seeing small pieces of the transfer coming off in your etchant solution it's time to stop

What are you using as an etchant

 

[twebb6778]

I'm going to use sodium hydroxide, as per the Hexjibber's tutorial.

 

[Nostradoomus]

Nice one! That’s what I’m doing today too haha

 

[twebb6778]

Success!

I'm really happy with how this turned out. The only thing is that the actual etching took about 2 hours, much longer than I was expecting . My caustic soda is 98% sodium hydroxide, so I was expecting a bit more of an aggressive reaction. Even significantly upping the proportions didn't help too much.

 

[Nostradoomus]

Nice! Finally got it! But yeah 2 hours is nuts dude, mine usually take 20 minutes.

 

[twebb6778]

I might have to try a different brand. At least I've got the process down, I can start experimenting. Thanks for all the support!

 

[Mcknib]

Great, that looks good

I went back to Ferric which etches a bit quicker

I do use caustic now and again with the plastic pipettes but it does take a while so like you I increased the amount I used but I think to get a quicker etch with it you've got to make sure it's completely dissolved if you're using the powdered stuff