Letter 9061

Stainless steel laser etch problems 

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I am a designer of Medical devices/instruments. The primary material in use is stainless steel, 17-4 PH heat-treated to H-900 condition.

After laser etching part numbers, we have the instruments passivated for corrosion resistance.

After passivation, our laser etching is all but non-existent. If we laser etch before passivation, the area of laser etch corrodes after autoclaving.

Any suggestions on how to finish for corrosion or laser etching with reference to technical documents would be appreciated

Anthony Rubino
- San Diego, CA, USA

Anthony:

This is a typical problem. The laser etched area is the weakest area on the parts and must be passivated to prevent rusting in the etched area. However, it can be very difficult to get the etched area passive without removing ALL of the darkened color used for identification.

We have had great success with our citric acid formulations in producing excellent corrosion resistance in the laser etcehd area without removing the color. Many surgical instrument companies have gone to this sytem because the amount of problems and rusting are significantly reduced compared to nitric acid passivation.

Let us know if we can help you.

Regards,

Lee Kremer Stellar Solutions, Inc. Algonquin, IL, USA

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