Category: manufacturing

You ever wondered how does chemical etching work? you are in the right place to find out.

The etching is a chemical process in which the metal is immersed in acid to take out the surface of the metal, remaining with a smooth beautiful design on it. It is a high precision process in which it can produce metal parts and design of need. Or it can be done with machines as a process of engraving that uses high temperature and high-pressure chemical spray to remove the metal material in order to create a permanent design on its surface. In short, this is how does chemical etching works.

Now let’s see the steps that are needed to be taken in order to perform an etching process. The process will be with the machines because is a lot more accurate and less dangerous than the made by hand with the acid.

First of all the metal material is cleaned to be sure that the surface is not contaminated and is prepared to start the process. A sheet of the material is laminated with a layer of resistance for light-sensitivity.

Then a photo tool with the design is placed on the metal material witch was laminated and then is set on the UV light. The UV light will make the laminated part become even harder and the part with the design because is protected will stay the same.

Before the etching process begins the laminated is heated to improve the acid resistance

After the metal material is made a set on the machine to be sprayed with a high-temperature spray. The solution will remove the unprotected parts from the metal and it will remain the form of the design.

When the process is done, the resist material is removed either in the stripping machine or manually.

Metal Materials that can be etched with this chemical process are:

Stainless Steel

Aluminum

Brass

Phosphor bronze

Nickel silver

Molybdenum

Alloys

Copper

And many more materials, but these are the most popular.

Did you want to know how does chemical etching work? Now you know, is a simple 5 step process through the machine that will produce in the end a smooth and clean design from the metal. First, one after the design is ready is the Lamination of the material. The second step is to put the metal material into the machine to make the laminated area even stronger and resistant. Then the film resists will make the area od design to be prepared for the etching process. The fourth step is to put the material trough etching machine where it will be sprayed with high pressure and high-temperature spray that will remove the unprotected parts. The fifth step is to remove the resits material either manually, either in the stripping machine.

Human beings cannot survive without the printing industry. In the world of printmaking, different methods are used to come up different images from a flat surface, a hard surface and even a metal plate. Laser engraving and laser etching are unique applications of laser technology with their distinct profile requirements, benefits and characteristics.

With this in mind, it’s essential to update your terminology and understand the practical and technological benefits of these different laser applications. This way, you can determine what setting you should prefer for your next laser project. Here is a list of our main differences that distinguish between these laser methods.

Nature

While etching is the art of creating an image using acid that removes metal, engraving is a printing method in which an artist uses a pointed and sharp tool to cut lines on a metal surface.

Physical effort required

Etching requires less effort because the etcher pulls the design through the wax. On the other hand, more physical effort is required in engraving because a tool has to be used to cut the metal.

Durability

Laser engraving is an ideal method for marking parts and objects where high wear is to be expected. If you engrave a jewelry design with a laser, it will fade quickly if the piece is touched frequently, as the depth is only 0.001 inches. The deepest cuts in laser engraving are ideal for creating permanent markings on a variety of materials. Laser engraving is not appropriate for safety-critical parts since the etching process can structurally damage or damage the engraved part. A Laser-etched markings are less durable and are suitable for surfaces with little wear.

Versatility

Laser engraving and engraving are versatile and can be used with many different materials. Laser engraving is suitable for almost any material of your choice, including metals, wood, plastics, leather, glass, acrylic and also soft materials like paper. Laser etching influences the surface of the materials changes the reflectivity and improves the contraction. The best materials for laser etching are anodized aluminum, stainless steel, coated metals, ceramics and polymers. Laser marking is widely used in the industry to come up with permanent markings without causing any damage on the materials.

Although these processes are used for the same purpose, the etching and engraving process is different, each with a special process. The method to be chosen mainly depends on the type of metal to be used, the availability of expertise, the preferred result and the possibility of using a physical or chemical process.