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Masking ink questions

I have Polymer (PVDF) sheets, coated with different kinds of thin 1-6 micrometer) metal layer. The metal layers are made of the following materials: Gold, Aluminum, Ag-Ink (a screen-printed paste, made of Ag mixed with some unknown binder. the binder is dissolved by Aceton). I want to etch patterns (small concentric circles and strait lines) on the metal layer. How can I do it, either by hand drawing with some masking ink, or do it more professionally with low cost laboratory equipment (for R&D small quantities). What kind of masking ink is available ? Sincerely,

Avner Adoram
- Ramat Hasharon, Israel

Avner:

Draw the figures in your pc printer or draw board. Copy them in a Xerox or similar high quality paper or acetate. Lay the X copy facedown the metal surface and gently heat the back with a suitable heat source (hair dryer might work). The X ink will be transfered to the metal creating a shield or mask. Then, use specific chemicals to dissolve each metal. This last part involves dangerous chemicals that have to be handled with extreme care.

Good luck.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico

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