Diffusion Method

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Diffusion method - estimated cost
November 18 2002 at 6:53 AM

As promise, I post my estimated costs table for a batch of 20 holoplates made with the Jeff Blyth's diffusion method. Silane, LiBr, Pinacyanol come from Sigma-Aldrich. All prices are in November 2002 Euros (1 Euro ~ 0,97 USD)

Chemical Price/Quantity Diluted quantity Quant/20 plates Price/20 plates
AgNO3 (6%) 18,11/10g. 166 ml 60 6,55
LiBr (3%) 11,2/100g. 3300 ml 300(*) 1,02
Pinacyanol (0,1%) 16,81/250mg 250 ml 7,5 0,5
Ascobic Acid (1%) 2,11/30g 3000 ml 300(*) 0,21
Gelatin (15%) 9/1000g 6666 ml 100 0,14
Chrome Alum (2%) 3/100g. 5000 ml 300(*) 0,18
Silane (1%) 31,16/100ml 10000 ml 100 0,31
Glass (4x5) 12,5/20 - 20 12,50
Total for 20 plates - - - 21,41 or 1,07/plate

(*) I assume I change for each batch

  • LiBr + Dye bath
  • Chrome Alum hardener
  • Ascorbic Acid sensitizer

But please pay attention of this following note from Jeff about the LiBr bath:

"Please note that I myself reuse the dye/LiBr baths several times. A little bit of precipitate in the bottom of container (it is only AgBr) can be left there and the liquid poured off or the solution just filtered. So you can make many plates if you want to for the initial expence. The quantity of subbed plates you could make is enough for an industrial production run!"

I don't calculate price for water, acetone and methanol because those products are cheap. First batch can seems expensive because you need to purchase relatively big quantity in regard of the used quantity and you need to some laboratory material.

Hope this can give you the curiosity to test this easy method.

Jean

PS: my 2nd batch has failed because I don't care to dry plates enough after Chrome Alum bath! Results was presence of chrome salt who fog the plates. I'll try hardening gelatin with a bath of 1% formalin in DI water.