Electrochemical etching to mark tools

September 6, 2008

I'm looking for a relatively fast, cheap, and permanent (I know, pick two, that's all you get) way of marking my hand tools to keep them from growing little legs.

It seemed to me that an electrochemical etch would be a good solution (no pun intended).

what I'm wondering about and haven't been able to find:

1) what should I use as an electrolyte?
Most of the tools are chrome plated over steel, altho some are cadmium or black oxide
Will different solutions give different color markings?
Any of them non-toxic ? Less toxic?

2) Etching current/voltage/time?
I have access to surplus transformers/small power supplies

3) Any suggestions for a stencil/mask? was toying with the idea of printing a stencil on a laser (white on black) and see if the toner would act as an insulator. Other ideas ?

Thanks in advance for your time.

Stu

Stu Tygert
stagehand, hobbyist, automation tech - NY, New York

September 18, 2008

Hi, Stu. A typical mechanical impact engraver will be a hundred times faster and cheaper. Plus it will do no environmental damage and won't expose you to dangerous chemicals. If you want to chemically etch a number of different materials, you'll have to develop different chemistries and procedures for each, plus the etching solutions will likely substantially effect the corrosion resistance of the tools.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

September 20, 2008

Ted-

Thanks for taking the time to answer.

I've seen E/C etchers manufactured by Etch-o-matic and was trying to experiment and duplicate that process. They're relatively inexpensive, but if i could do it myself, so much the better.

Would they be able to etch bare, unplated, metal only?

Corrosion resistance is not so much an issue for me, I work in a shop, the tools stay dry (if somewhat oily) for the most part. In fact a little rust would increase the contrast of the marking, not necessarily a bad thing.

I have a large, full, toolbox... using a carbide tipped engraver would take me a significant amount of time, not to mention having to listen to the damned thing...

Thanks again,
Stu

Stu Tygert
- NY, New York