--- title: Isotropic Etching description: Isotropic Etching - Creating concave etching shapes • Cleaning of circuits image: https://www.thierry-corp.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/plasma-activation-of-medical-test-swabs-Aug-17-2021-04-04-16-97-AM.png --- ![search_icon](https://www.thierry-corp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thierry_Aug20/search.png?width=18&height=18&name=search.png) [![login](https://www.thierry-corp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thierry_Aug20/log_in.png?width=28&height=28&name=log_in.png) Thierry Germany](https://www.thierry-gmbh.de/en/) [![logo](https://www.thierry-corp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thierry_Aug20/logo.png?width=193&height=67&name=logo.png "logo")](https://www.thierry-corp.com/?hsLang=en) [**Shop for OEM Masters**](https://store.thierry-corp.com/store/) [**REQUEST A QUOTE**](https://www.thierry-corp.com/plasma/request-plasma-system-quotation?hsLang=en) ##### [Knowledge Base](https://www.thierry-corp.com/plasma-knowledgebase) ##### [Overview Etching](https://www.thierry-corp.com/plasma-knowledgebase-blog/tag/Overview-Etching?hsLang=en) ##### Isotropic Etching ![Isotropic Etching](https://www.thierry-corp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/plasma-activation-of-medical-test-swabs-Aug-17-2021-04-04-16-97-AM.png?length=500&name=plasma-activation-of-medical-test-swabs-Aug-17-2021-04-04-16-97-AM.png) # Isotropic Etching Isotropic Etching - Creating concave etching shapes • Cleaning of circuits **Isotropic etching** is one form of etching where it takes place in all directions. The sides of the etch balloon creates a concave shape under the photoresist etching mask rather than a straight  [plasma etch](https://www.thierry-corp.com/plasma-etching?hsLang=en) that is achieved through  [anisotropic etching](https://www.thierry-corp.com/plasma-knowledgebase/anisotropic-etching?hsLang=en). Since most applications such as the production of printed circuit boards require anisotropic etching,  *isotropic etching* does not have as many applications or advantages. However,  **isotropic etching** is often used to remove material from a large surface and to clean circuits prior to electroplating. ### Wet Isotropic Etching vs. Dry Isotropic Etching **Isotropic etching** used to be done primarily by using chemicals to etch out surfaces. This process is messy and hazardous, and is not able to etch with the same detail that can be accomplished with  **dry isotropic etching**. Dry  *isotropic etching* can be achieved through the use of Thierry’s low-pressure plasma systems. Unlike, using chemicals,  *dry isotropic etching* is an efficient and environmentally safe method. To learn more about etching, check out our eBook titled "[Plasma Etching and Cleaning Strategy for Better Product Quality](https://www.thierry-corp.com/plasma-etching-and-cleaning-strategy-for-better-product-quality?hsLang=en)." 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