Summary for imaging art onto steel Discussion
Imaging art onto steel for exterior location led to a discussion of whether the image could survive oxidation on weathering or mild steel. Chris Au asked about laser etching, sandblasting, and CerMark, while Guillermo Marrufo said chemical etching is the way to reproduce fine or coarse designs with full depth control and long life if the steel is protected from severe exposure. Chris then noted the project might require a much larger, deeper etch—about 0.125" into 0.25" plate—making chemical etching less practical. Geoff agreed that chemical etching was not appropriate for that scale and instead suggested a simpler approach using stick welding with special cutting electrodes, which can create a plasma-cutter-like effect and also build up areas. In the end, Chris said they would proceed with laser-cut silhouettes without etched details.
April 16, 2014
Q. Hello;
We are developing an interpretive art piece for an exterior location. Is there a way to image steel (weathering or mild) that will be enhanced with oxidation and not disappear?
We are investigating laser (CO2) etching and have an engraver willing to give it a try though he has not done it before.
Sandblasting may work but it may not be deep enough.
CerMark probably won’t work for obvious reasons.
Any insights or tips will be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Chris
Chris Au
Designer – Vancouver, BC, Canada
A. Chemical etching IS the way. It will reproduce any design no matter how large or small, coarse or fine with full control in depth and if the steel surface is protected from later exposure to severe environments, it will stay there indefinitely.
Guillermo Marrufo
– Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| April 29, 2014
Q. It appears that chemical etching is mostly appropriate for small scale items. The projects I would be involved with would be larger and may require etching perhaps 0.125″ deep into .25″ plate. Here is a pic to give a sense of scale. Chris Au [returning] |
A. Hi Chris
I am a great advocate for chemical etching but I don’t think it would be appropriate for your application.
I have just seen some metal artwork made simply and inexpensively using an arc welding set (“stick welding”). You don’t need much power so a simple car repair set would get you started. What you do need is special cutting electrodes which produce an effect similar to a plasma cutter. These are readily available. Do get proper welding eye protection.
You need only basic welding skills which will also allow you to build up areas as well as cutting them.
Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
June 20, 2014
June 20, 2014
Thank you Geoff for your comments. We are proceeding with laser-cut silhouettes without any etched details. I will post results when complete in a month or so.
Chris
Chris Au [returning]
– Vancouver, BC, Canada