Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Etch solution for A1050
2005
I wish to etch A1050 (99.5% of aluminium) to reveal the microstructure. Can anyone recommend a suitable etching solution?
I have try 27 ml HNO3 + 24 ml HCI + 39 ml H2O. But not enough to see the grain.
I also try a stronger etch solution, but the aluminium have
"burn".
Have you any idea of what to do?
Thanks
Alexis
Student - Batk, UK
2005
A good general micro etch for Aluminium alloys is Kellers Reagent. HF based, and nothing like as concentrated as mixed acids you have tried.
1% HF
1.5% HCl
2.5% HNO3
Remainder Water
There are others - try googling 'Flick's, Tucker's or Vilella's. They're all variations on a theme.
Regards
Ship Repair - Plymouth, UK
Dear Gentalman,
The use of HCl is very damaging on aluminum. For better result you can use combination of HF and wetting agent.
Meta Kem - New Delhi
2005
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