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-----Resist needed for etching of stainless
Hello. I am to etch lettering into stainless steel. I am using nitric acid and it cuts into the metal just fine. However I am having a lot of trouble with the resist lifting especially at the edges of the lettering. I am shooting in the dark. I think that all I need is the right resist. How do I find the right resist and/or procedure?
Michael TimshelUniversity of Oregon - Eugene Oregon USA
2000
What you are experiencing seems to be undercut of your resist. To some degree, the problem is with your etching process. What seems to be happening is that as the etch dissolves the metal down (into the depth of the metal), it is also dissolving metal at the sides of the pit (the length and breadth of the piece). Commercially, etchants can contain what are called banking agents, which act to minimize the undercut. You can also help to minimize undercut by slowing down the etching process.
Since there is usually more surface area available for etching down into the piece rather than out along the piece, more etching will occur in the desired direction.
James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
2000
Make sure the maskant is completely dry before the etching process. Also, try applying two perpendicular coats if possible.
Tim Cornelius- Texarkana, Arkansas USA
2000
Try using ferric chloride ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] at 42 baumé... and a spray etching machine.
Steve Christensonphotoengraving - Portland, Oregon, USA
2003
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