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''This page discusses the industrial applications of the etching process. For etching in art or printing ,see etching ''
Chemical etching (sometimes called chemical milling) is the process of using acids or other chemicals to dissolve away unwanted materials such as metals, semiconductor materials or glass. It has applications in the printed circuit board and semiconductor fabrication industries.
History of etching
The process is believed to have been invented by Daniel Hopfer (circa 1470-1536) of Augsburg, Germany, who decorated armour in this way, and applied the method to printmaking.
Explanation
Etching is used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards and semiconductor devices and the preparation of metallic specimens for microscopic observation.
Etchants
Commonly used etchants for copper are:
Etching of metals
Etching of glass
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a very efficient etchant for glass. It is however very dangerous if it comes into contact with the body.
Etching in the semiconductor industry
Applications
See also
External links
- Example of a chemically-etched nameplate manufacturer who has won the Baldrige Award for quality twice, in 1998 and 2004
"Chemical etching"