As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases
Mr. Rogers: "Look for the Helpers. You'll always find people who are helping."

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

-----

Etch on printing plates is too rough and cratered

I etch Stainless steel printing plates using 42 baumé ferric chloride ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] in a spray etcher but the etch always comes out rough and cratered like the steel is running down the sheet. I pre etch in a tray of weak Ferric and water till it turns dark than into the 42 baumé spray etcher for about a minute flip the part and run another minute. Its a vertical spray. Any Ideas?

Dave Harper
Printing plate manufacturer - Haverhill, Massachusetts
July 24, 2008

Etching stainless steel in ferric chloride ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] create pitting and other problems. We have developed our own method of etching of different metals. Contact us for more information.

Anna Berkovich
Russamer Lab - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(ed. update July, 2025: sorry, Anna has retired)
July 30, 2008

July 30, 2008

What grade of stainless steel are you using and what is the operating temperature of your ferric chloride ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] ? Is the stainless steel heat treated in any way and what is the (non-iron) metal content o your ferric chloride ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] ?
Any of these could affect your etching performance.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

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: