Frequently Asked Questions

Can I expose a silk screen frame in one of your UV units?

No, our UV units will only accept materials up to 3mm – 4mm thick. You can expose UV sensitive Silk Screen stencil material (Five Star) which is then processed and adhered to the Silk Screen. This is called the indirect method.


Can I use 600-013 Ferric Pellets in a Rota-Spray?

We generally recommend the liquid etchant. The reason is if you do not dissolve all the pellets they can damage a Rota-Spray. If you have to use pellets first pass it through a filter paper to remove any un-dissolved solids before adding to the machine.


How can I remove the stains Ferric Chloride has left?

Use our 600-039 Ferric Chloride Stain Remover. It will clean work surfaces, equipment and clothes.


Can I expose a silk screen frame in one of your UV units?

No, our UV units will only accept materials up to 3mm – 4mm thick. You can expose UV sensitive Silk Screen stencil material (Five Star) which is then processed and adhered to the Silk Screen. This is called the indirect method.


Can I use 600-013 Ferric Pellets in a Rota-Spray?

We generally recommend the liquid etchant. The reason is if you do not dissolve all the pellets they can damage a Rota-Spray. If you have to use pellets first pass it through a filter paper to remove any un-dissolved solids before adding to the machine.


How can I remove the stains Ferric Chloride has left?

Use our 600-039 Ferric Chloride Stain Remover. It will clean work surfaces, equipment and clothes.


How do I dispose of PCB chemistry?

Follow the instructions on the relevant MSDS sheet.These can be found on the data sheet section of our web site.The MSDS will normally advise you to use a licensed chemical disposal agency.


How long do I expose your PCB Board; Fotoboard or Microtrak?

Always warm your UV unit first. Depending on artwork and size of the UV normal exposure times are 120 – 150 seconds. Full processing instructions are shown on our PCB DVD.


How many PCB Boards can I etch with Ferric Chloride?

1 litre of Ferric etching solution will hold 65g of copper before it is saturated. With standard 35 micron copper boards you will normally be able to process approximately 12 panels 10”x12” with 5 litres of Ferric assuming you are removing two thirds of the copper from each panel.


How quick does 316 stainless steel etch?

Using one of our spray processors you would expect to etch 10-12 microns per minute. 100 microns =0.1mm which would take approximately 8 minutes.That's much, much faster than mechanically routing/engraving.


The circuit is disappearing when I develop a board, what’s wrong?

The problem is likely to be in the exposure and developing stage:

1.The black areas of your artwork are not opaque enough. Hold it up to a window. Do the blacks go grey?
2.The image has not been printed in reverse. Always print it back to front so when it is turned the right way round the ink/toner is touching the photo-resist.
3. There is poor contact in the UV
4. The UV exposure time is too long (3 mins max.)
5.The developer is mixed too strong. Check the label
6. The developer is too hot. Check the label – if in doubt use at room temperature.
7. The board has been left in the developer for too long. Developer for 15 seconds; rinse and inspect and then develop for another 10 seconds if need and rinse and repeat if necessary.
8. The board was not rinsed to stop further developing as soon as it was removed from the solution.


What is the chemical capacity of your PCB tanks?

Our 10”x12” tanks hold 5 litres and the 12”x18” tanks 10 litres. To ensure they function correctly always fill the tanks with the full amount of liquid.


What is the shelf life of Fotoboard and Microtrak?

Guaranteed shelf life is 12 months from delivery although you will find it works longer.


What is the wavelength of the UV tubes you use?

All our UV exposure units use Actinic 05 tubes that peak at 365nm


What printer would you recommend for JetStar and JetStar premium?

We have achieved good results with a Canon iP3600 A4 printer.


Which side of JetStar do I print on?

The coated side. To determine which side this is lick your finger and touch the very corner of the film. Your wet finger will stick to the coated side.


Which side of LaserStar do I print on?

Either, it's a double sided product.


Why are some items not priced?

The price of certain items can change rapidly. Price reductions as well as price increases can occur making it difficult to keep the web site up to date. Please contact us for an accurate quote of any of these items.


Why does the web site not let me buy some items. Some have ‘contact us’ in the quantity box?

This is usually because some extra packing may be necessary or there may by export restrictions.