Aluminum Alloys FeCl₃+HCl

Chemical Etching Formula
Al2017 with FeCl₃+HCl

The FeCl₃+HCl chemistry is a proven formula for Al2017. This reference sheet lists the concentration (34 °Bé), specific gravity (1.290), bath temperature (42°C), and the full range of conveyor speeds and feature tolerances that result. Use it to size your process before committing to a production trial.

Formula Summary

The table below summarizes every parameter that defines this etching formula. Values listed as ranges scale with sheet thickness across the supported band.

FeCl₃+HCl Etchant System
34 °Bé Concentration
1.290 Specific Gravity
42 °C Bath Temperature
Through etch (double-sided) Etch Depth Type
0.1-0.5 mm Thickness Range
0.25 mm Typical Thickness
0.12-1.08 m/min Conveyor Speed Range
0.32 m/min Typical Speed
120-600 μm Min Hole Ø Range
100-500 μm Min Line Width Range
20-100 μm Undercut Range
2.49 Etch Factor (EF)
97.2% Typical Yield (96.5-97.5%)

Why FeCl₃+HCl for Al2017?

On Al2017, the ferric chloride system attacks the alloy's oxide layer continuously while ferric ions drive dissolution. It is regenerable, compatible with standard photolithography, and produces clean burr-free edges — which is why nearly every Al2017 etch line runs a variant of this formula.

Process Window & Bath Control

Bath control for Al2017 in FeCl₃+HCl: temperature 42°C, concentration 34 °Bé, specific gravity 1.290. The recipe is tuned for through etch (double-sided). Conveyor speed is the primary throughput control, ranging 0.12-1.08 m/min across the supported thickness range. Check specific gravity each shift with a calibrated hydrometer and correct with fresh make-up or water as needed.

Design Rules & Tolerances

Feature sizes scale with sheet thickness. For this formula the minimum hole diameter ranges 120-600 μm and the minimum line width ranges 100-500 μm across the 0.1-0.5 mm band, following the industry 1.2× (hole) and 1.0× (line) thickness rules. Single-side undercut ranges 20-100 μm, and the etch factor is about 2.49. Size your photomask by subtracting twice the expected undercut from each finished feature dimension.

Design Rule Summary
• Minimum hole diameter range: 120-600 μm
• Minimum line width range: 100-500 μm
• Single-side undercut range: 20-100 μm
• Typical etch factor (EF): 2.49

Yield & Production Economics

Typical mass-production yield for Al2017 in the FeCl₃+HCl system is 97.2%, within an observed range of 96.5-97.5%. The dominant yield-loss modes are photoresist pinhole defects and rinse-water contamination. Improving incoming sheet quality and photoresist coating consistency gives the highest yield-improvement leverage for this formula.

Typical Applications

Typical applications for Al2017 processed with FeCl₃+HCl include lightweight RF shields, heat-spreader masks, nameplates, decorative trim, and lightweight structural lattices. The formula's tolerance band and yield make it well suited to medium-to-high-volume precision flat parts.

More Aluminum Alloys Formulas

Other formulas in the same material family.

Al1060 FeCl₃+HCl Through etch (double-sided) Al1060 FeCl₃+HCl Through etch (double-sided) Al1100 FeCl₃+HCl Through etch (double-sided) Al2014 FeCl₃+HCl Through etch (double-sided) Al2024 FeCl₃+HCl Through etch (double-sided) Al3003 FeCl₃+HCl Through etch (double-sided)

Frequently Asked Questions

The recommended working concentration for Al2017 in the FeCl₃+HCl system is 34 °Bé, corresponding to a specific gravity of about 1.290. Titrate the bath at least once per shift and correct back toward this setpoint; drift below it signals depletion, while drift above usually means evaporative water loss.

Need a Quote for This Process?

WET Etched runs production wet chemical etching lines using the FeCl₃+HCl chemistry. Send us your part drawing and quantity for a full process quote.

Request a Quote Browse Formulas