This bottle contains 50g of pure reagent grade ferric chloride (FeCl3) which is an orange to brown-black solid that is soluble in water. It is widely used as an etching agent for manufacturing PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) for hobbyists. With 50g of Ferric Chloride power, you can make 200ml of etchant (25% ratio). If you need to fast results, you can increase the ratio.

Preparing the Ferric Chloride solution

1. Layout newspapers or old cloth on the work area so that the work area doesn’t stain when chemicals are spilled. Place the etching tray on the work area
   
   
2. Weigh a suitable amount of Ferric Chloride powder depending on the size of the PCB using a weighing scale with the glass tray or plate on it.
   
   NOTE: Before weighing the Ferric Chloride, zero the weighing scale with the glass plate or tray first. The dilution mixing ratio between Ferric Chloride and Water is 1:4 (w/v). For example, if 25 grams of Ferric Chloride is used, 100 ml of water is required to prepare the solution
   
   
3. Fill water into a measuring cup to a volume based on the ratio mentioned in Step 2. Pour the water into the etching tray
   
   
4. Add the weighed Ferric Chloride powder as in Step 2 into the water in small amounts and stir the solution using a plastic or any other non-metallic rod until the Ferric chloride has dissolved. The etch bath is now ready.
   
   Caution: Never add water to the Ferric Chloride Powder as this produces a lot of heat and can produce steam and splattering all over the place. Make sure you always wear your protective gear (Latex Gloves, Safety goggles, Boots and a Lab Coat or Raincoat covering the entire body etc.) as the chemicals are corrosive, toxic and are dangerous to the eyes. Do not inhale as it is hazardous to the respiratory system
   
   
5. Dip the copper clad board with the layout transferred into the Ferric Chloride solution and shake the etching tray back and forth slowly until the unwanted copper region fades away. The PCB has been etched!
   
   Tip: The etching time totally depends on the concentration and the temperature of the solution. Use warm distilled water to reduce the etching time. PCB pouring also reduces etching time
   
   
6. To complete the process, take out the etched PCB from the Ferric chloride solution and rinse the PCB using clean bathwater
   
   
7. Remove the ink stains on the PCB using Isopropyl alcohol (surgical spirit)

User Guide: https://lionkem.com/docs/Lionkem FeCl3 Powder.pdf