Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Alternative to laser engraving on anodized aluminum (i.e. silk screening)

January 25, 2011

I am currently laser engraving anodized aluminum parts. I laser engrave scales, logos, etc. I'm very familiar with screen printing and would prefer to screen print (silk screen) the parts if it weren't for the fact that the paints/inks will later wear off.

I considered the fact that I may be able to screen print the images using an etching chemical, give it time to work, and then rinse off with water.

Has anyone ever heard of such a process or could recommend a mild chemical to test? I've stripped anodizing using Drano before, but I'm looking for something safer.

Ron Brengartner
designer - Bedford Hts, Ohio, USA

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Hi, Ron.

It is possible, and not unusual, to screen print the items in between the anodizing and the sealing, although I don't know the fine details of the processing. The result is screen printing that won't wear off even if you accidentally rub it with sandpaper for 15 minutes :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
January 25, 2011

They make a device that's like a stamp with a template on it and wetted with a electrolyte. It applies a current and will selectively etch a logo etc on the part. I can't remember what its called but if you google "microetching supplies" maybe you can find it.

Kevin Keating
- Gates, New York, USA
February 18, 2011