Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Fine etch for aluminium

I am a metal design student in my final year, the problem I need help with is etching Aluminium. I have been Given a formula that gives a very coarse etch, when I anodize this the etched areas are very grey in colour but the un-etched parts are fine. The solution is a mix of Hydrochloric acid (2 ounces) with copper sulphate(1/2 teaspoon) and distilled water(8ounces), this solution is very quick, it will eat through 2 mil sheet in 5mins. Would diluting the soultion work or does anybody know another soultion that would give a finer etch?

Anthony O'Connor
- Dublin, Ireland

Sodium hydroxide would work better. But the problem may be alloying materials left behind when you dissolve the aluminum--in which case you need a desmut step.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: