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Etching chrome castings for inspection

We are looking at a project which will require chemically etching B50A178H material. Generic name is cast 2.25 Chrome, 1 Molybdenum Steel, to look for field welded areas. The welded areas may not be of a correct, or uniform material, but the base metal is. We know that etchants such as Nital will likely do the job but, we would like to use a chemical that is most friendly to both our employees, customers' employees, and the environment. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Rich Karrmann
NDT - Richmond, Virginia
2004

You may try with reverse current etch using a brush plating portable equipment. Vendors of such equipment have proprietary formulations that are friendly enough to be used within industrial plants and work well on most materials (ferrous and non).

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004

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