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Lets say we are designing a very simple PCB and there is a layer(s) where not much is going on, from an environmental perspective alone would it be better to leave the layer with a large ground copper solid area, so not much etcher acid is needed, or would the etched copper/acid be reused afterwards by the FAB?

LuisF
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  • What about the environmental issues of mining the copper? Disposing of the etching fluid? – Solar Mike Apr 20 '22 at 03:37
  • Copper is already mined, but can it be reused by the FAB after it has been etched? The real question would be what happens to the used etching fluid? – LuisF Apr 20 '22 at 03:53
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    There are many other reasons as well to leave as much copper on the PCB as possible. It etches faster and uses less etchants so it is cheaper to manufacture, not to mention it enables a PCB design which works better (shielding, ground plane). It makes no sense to have just a few wires and etch most of the copper away. – Justme Apr 20 '22 at 04:35
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    No offence, but arguments like these are just silly. If you wish to actually make a difference for the environment, then go with halogen-free (RoHS) PCB, don't use flame retardants or conformal coating, and in particular always design in high efficiency switching regulators. I suspect that the biggest environment culprit by far in electronics design are all linear regulators wasting extreme amounts of energy for nothing. – Lundin Apr 20 '22 at 09:42
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    I think the question is useful. When you make 10000 PCB a year, it can make a difference. – AdriZ Apr 20 '22 at 09:51
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    Produce in EU or USA in stead of China. – LukeHappyValley Apr 20 '22 at 11:09

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With the price of copper where it is these days fabrication houses are recycling the etching chemicals to recover the copper.

Jasen Слава Україні
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