topic 28409
Problem etching stainless steel with Ferric Chloride - Pitted Finish
A discussion started in 2004 but continuing through 2019
2004Q. Hello, we are a sign manufacturer. On a regular basis we use 45 baumé Ferric Chloride to etch 304 stainless .007 to .015 inches deep. This is done at 47 °C. Sometimes however I get a very bumpy etch in wide areas. It almost looks like part of the stainless composition is breaking down faster than others but that is my guess.
I've documented this problem with photos and detailed information. These are all examples of 304 stainless steel panels etched with 45 Baumé ferric chloride (FeCl3) in a spray nozzle conveyor system. The ferric chloride is heated to 45° C and has less than 3% hydrochloric acid as content when it is received.
Example of Smooth Etching (Acceptable)
Example of Reverse Etched Problem - small pits (Unacceptable)
Example of Reverse Etched Stainless -- Small raised areas within smooth etched area (Unacceptable)
Example of Reverse Etched Area that is smooth near the shoulders but bumpy in the wide open areas (Unacceptable)
Extreme Example of Shot Blast Look in Etched Area. I believe this was done with 30 baumé ferric chloride.
I appreciate any assistance that can be given! Unfortunately we are not chemists and only have a few basic measuring instruments -- i.e. Hydrometer and Thermometer. Thank you.
Jon LorberArchitectural Signage Shop - Amityville, New York, United States
2005
Q. I was trying to get etching on stainless steel plate by Ferric nitrate solution plus small amount of nitric acid. It is not working. I don't know the reason. It works when I use ferric chloride plus nitric acid. I wanted chloride ion free stainless steel plate, so I am using ferric nitrate. can you give some solutions.
Thanks
Yonsei University - Seoul, Korea
April 23, 2008
Q. How Many Tablespoons of Ferric Nitrate in a Quart Of Water? Hello, I'm Doug Mosley; an artist from Portland, Oregon.
I use antique steel and iron farm tools and machine parts to create abstract sculptures. I have been using ferric nitrate in a very undisciplined fashion. I would like to know how much chemical to add to a quart of water to achieve a standardized concentration. I realize the found steel and iron objects I use in my work are inconsistently alloyed - this is why I need to standardize my ferric nitrate solution. Also, I have found that misting a treated surface with water will speed up the appearance of bright orange rust. Is it safe to seal this without further rinsing? I am trying to achieve a lighter color finish when sealed. I have been getting a brown or black color only.
Metal Sculptor - Portland, Or, USA
January 18, 2013
Q. Can anyone recommend a good resist stencil film that will adhere well to 304 Stainless for etching in Ferric Chloride. I have tried Oramask 813 but it just lifts right off.
Thanks.
- Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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Ed. note: We would prefer generic responses to brand name responses, readers (why?) We're confident that the problem revolves more around either the best techniques for adhering stencil films, or the best materials for stencil films for etching with ferric chloride, rather than that some manufacturers' stencils are better than others.
June 8, 2013
A. We use liquid photo resist and this does not come out even when we go 1 mm deep.
its ready to use, just spray and bake it at 80 degree for 20 minutes.
Hope this helps.
- Delhi, India
February 14, 2014
Q. Hi,
Gupta Gi, which type of liquid resist do you use?
- sharjah uae
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Ed. note: Readers, please don't ask for brand or source recommendations (why?)
May 6, 2015
Q. Jon, I use etching machine with spray nozzles and conveyor also and am presently having a similar issue after putting in fresh acid. please let me know if you find an answer.
- cramerton North Carolina
April 9, 2016
A. Hi. Your problem is a very common problem. After laminating the film to the plate and exposing it you need to bake it in a 120 °C oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The film will change color to very dark violet and it will be very strong and resist the acid not only for engraving but also for cutting.
The issue with uneven engraving: I am sure it comes from the kind of machine you are using. You need to use a double spray etching machine with conveyer. This is the only way to have the acid well distributed on the plate.
Thanks.
- Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA
July 12, 2016
A. I think the problem is in the heterogeneity of steel. Poor quality steel. Try to change the manufacturer and supplier of steel.
Georgi GenovEtching machine manufacturer - Sofia, Bulgaria
Etching a full size pattern
July 13, 2018Q. My situation:I have an enquiry for an etched plate. We manufacture rubber sheets that are vulcanised against a steel plate with the pattern on. The current plates are 30+ yrs old and are now in poor condition. They are 4 mm thick mild steel plates, we are considering stainless at 3 mm. We are told that acid etching is the best method.
The overall size of the plate needs to be 1300 x 1050 mm
The pattern depth is 0.35 mm deep.
I have spoken to a couple of companies, but one can do the size but not the depth, the other can do the depth but not the width.
Both are critical .
How are both achieved, and can anybody help with this problem?
Employee - Liskeard , Cornwall, UK
^- Privately contact this inquirer -^
January 11, 2019
A. Stainless steel pitting:
When etching Stainless with Ferric Chloride, it is best etched in one pass. If you etch stainless and then rinse with water and etch again the surface will pit and get worse with each rinse. If it must be rinsed then it must be completely dry before continuing the etch. Also surface preparation is extremely important prior to resist application.
- Phoenix, Arizona.
March 5, 2019
A. Have you considered anodic leveling as a solution to surface roughness?
Anodic leveling attacks the high spots first and would seem to offer a solution to uneven etching.
It represents a 2nd operation but is only needed when results are poor.
Marchmain Ltd - Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
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