As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases
Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"
"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
-----
Etching problem in 304 stainless steel in ferric chloride solution
I am encountering a smut black residue while etching 304 stainless in 42 baumé ferric chloride
⇦ on
eBay or
Amazon [affil link] solution at 150 F. The residue is easily wiped off but since the part is subsequently plated, it a real annoyance. Initially this did not occur but now consistently happening. Does anyone know the cause or, more importantly, a cure to prevent it. Because of the fine detail in the etching pattern, mechanically wiping it off is not a practical solution.
Samuel R. Shortes
Anderson-Remplex, Consultants - Highland Village, Texas
2005
A quick swill in 50 gpl Chromic Acid will clean out the smut.
Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2005
Is the ferric chloride old or new? You say it is 42 baumé, but is that the original density or the current one? The problem may be caused by an exhausted solution.
Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2005
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:
Finishing
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g,
& Software
About/Contact - Privacy Policy - ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA - about "affil links"