49457

Etch on printing plates is too rough and cratered [Massachusetts] 

July 24, 2008

I etch Stainless steel printing plates using 42 baume Ferric Chloride in a spray etcher but the etch always comes out rough and cratered like the steel is running down the sheet. I pre etch in a tray of weak Ferric and water till it turns dark than into the 42 baume spray etcher for about a minute flip the part and run another minute. Its a vertical spray. Any Ideas?

Dave Harper
Printing plate manufacturer - Haverhill, MA

Etching stainless steel in Ferric Chloride create pitting and other problems. We have developed our own method of etching of different metals. Contact us for more information.

Anna Berkovich Russamer Lab Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What grade of stainless steel are you using and what is the operating temperature of your ferric chloride? Is the stainless steel heat treated in any way and what is the (non-iron) metal content o your ferric chloride?
Any of these could affect your etching performance.

Trevor Crichton R&D practical scientist - UK