The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Needed help on etching in metals

2004

Dear Sir,

I am in need of help regarding photo chemical etching done in stainless steel and copper. The sheet we use is thin sheets. Please help me in sourcing the right chemicals and other guidelines to do a successful etch in the metals.

Regards,

Vinod R Nair
- Kochi, Kerala, India

---

2004

Well, I'll help to the extent of posting your inquiry, Vinod. But to expect to go from zero knowledge of a subject to successful commercialization via an internet posting is a bit unrealistic :-)

I think you need to align yourself with a local consultant or etching process supplier.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

I think you might be wanting capillary film. I have been researching somewhat of the same thing. I need capillary film adheared to the mesh already.

Sandra Obrien
- Prescott, Arizona
2004

---

First of two simultaneous responses -- 2004

Vinod, the chemicals you need are concentrated ferric chloride ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] for the stainless steel and cupric chloride for the copper. You can ablso use ferric chloride ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] with copper. As Ted says, to go from no knowledge to a successful process via the Internet is totally unrealistic as successful chemical etching is a complex science. There are also numerous health, safety and environnmental issues you will need to address.

Sandra, can you explain a bit more about what you need and what it will be used for!

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK

---

Second of two simultaneous responses --

Concerning copper photo etching - this technology is well used all over the world. As to stainless steel - we can develop for you technological processes. We have developed passive photo-etching process for titanium without hydrogen emission.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2004

Can anyone tell me what you need to do it on brass? In order to mass produce do I need any special equipment? Do we need special training? thank you

Chris Pildner
hunting, fishing & equestrian products - Ashtabula, OH, U.S.A.
2007