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Etching 6063 Aluminium to reveal microstructure

I wish to etch 6063 aluminium alloy to reveal the microstructure. Can anyone recommend a suitable etching solution (and preferably one that does not contain HF)?

Michael Stephen
PE Technikon - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
2004

Etching of 6063 Aluminum Alloy.

Khalid Bushra
Faculty of Engineering - ATBARA, Nile River, SUDAN
2006

You may use NaOH.

Ashwin Bhatia
- Noida, India
2006

CAN ANYONE TELL,FOR HOW LONG SHOULD I ETCH MY 6063 SPECIMEN IN NAOH OR sodium carbonate / washing soda [affil links] SOLUTION TO REVEAL GRAINS?

Mzo Mkhize
uni. JOHANNESBURG - Johannesburg, S. Africa
May 19, 2008

It depends on the concentration and temperature of the etchant solution. Generally speaking, immerse for 30-60 seconds and take a look(1g NaOH/100ml H2O).

Sidney Yu
- Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan
June 26, 2009

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