254nm UV for etching?

[Stocker]

I was just given an EPROM eraser which uses a 254nm lamp for the UV source... assuming the lamp is still good, is this wavelength suitable for PCB etching with the commonly available DIY chemistries?

[Stocker]

Nobody?

this wavelength seems (on Google) to be mostly used for killing microscopic thingies and erasing EPROMS... but will it work for DIY PCB etching?

[TwoSpoons]

My workmate has tried the eraser lamps, but found plain old sunlight worked better. 254nm is too short, and too dangerous. Permanent damage threshold for your eyes is about 8 minutes! Short UV at that wavelength kills bacteria by crosslinking its DNA : ie causing massive genetic damage.

[Stocker]

Thanks for that. Maybe Ebay or a DIY water cleaner...

[Devius]

Positiv 20 works at 340-420 nm.

[Stocker]

ah, ok thanks but the bulb is specified as 254, not 354nm.

[Devius]

ok... but that was my point. I just didn't concluded that in the post because it was obvious :P

I use a Philips TL20W/05, but that's just when there isn't enough sunlight because the sun gives me much better results than artificial lighting.