In August 2022, PCB manufacturer KSG commissioned a new copper recycling plant at its Gornsdorf site following prior tests, along with a wet process plant with a vacuum etching module that meets the requirements of the IE3 and IE4 energy efficiency standards. We asked Robert Jungk, Head of Operations, about the results during operation.
What is your experience with the new copper recycling plant so far?
We can easily supply our two etching plants - both the new and the existing plant - with recycling capacity. Due to the current conditions, we have not had to use the plant's maximum capacity to date.
Has it proved true so far that (quote from KSG) "the total circulating volume of etching medium can be reduced by 5% and around 80 tons of etched copper can be recovered per year"?
The circulating volume could even be reduced by 15% on average. According to current measurements and forecasts, it looks like we will be able to recover around 80 tons of the etched copper.
Can this recycled copper be used again at KSG?
The copper recovered from the etching solution contains etchant residues and is not suitable for use in our electroplating machines. We therefore pass the copper on for external processing and thus into a circular economy with other customers.
