Where the world gathers for
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989




-----

Aluminium etching question

November 11, 2008

hi all,

I am building a guitar effects pedal... it has a gritty sound and want to etch onto the diecast aluminium case...
here is an example of what id like to do... I have the design already, but I have no idea how to get it etched into aluminium..

please advise...
Thank you

Nathan Winkler
getting started - South Africa

---

November 14, 2008

Hi, Nathan. You want to etch one of these for your own use, or you want to manufacture them? -- it's a little unclear.

Possible manufacturing technologies include laser etching, waterjet etching, and chemical etching. If it's just one, you probably want to make a silkscreen and then use it to apply a resist to everything except the etched patterns. Then use perhaps caustic soda [affil link] (lye) to etch the aluminum. Remember that anything powerful enough to dissolve aluminum is powerful enough to dissolve your skin and eyes, and make sure you know what you are doing and are wearing appropriate safety gear. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

---

January 13, 2009

You can use an electrical engraver or a vibrator .

Khair Shishani
aircraft maintenance - Al Ain, UAE