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Q&As since 1989
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Aluminum Etching
Hello! I have a client that wants me to etch some aluminum parts. There squares about 4" x 4" and about 1/10" thick. In one of the steps of the procedure, it says that I have to dip them in aluminum bright. Since this is not a big production I was wondering if I can maybe prepare this solution my self. Thank You!
Monica MontalvoPlating of all sorts of metal - Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
2004
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Etching and bright dipping are different processes. Etching is done with caustic soda and leaves a matte finish. Bright dipping is done with nitric-phosphoric acid (or some proprietary alternatives). It is a really nasty solution, boiling hot, and very aggressive, which releases a great deal of toxic nitrogen oxides from the process tank and the first rinse. You can do it yourself if properly equipped and experienced, but you need a special "garage style" exhaust system, not just lip-type exhaust.  Ted Mooney, P.E. Striving to live Aloha finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey DEFINITLY NOT , this is a process that requires nasty acids combined, heated to a temp from 250 to 300 °F and is gonna create a lot of fumes, toxic fumes that I do not recommend to someone with no experience nor the equipment required. - Oxnard, California |
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