The Process of Acid Etching on Stainless Steel and Other Metals

Posted by maria vidal on March 7th, 2022

Acid Etching is carving hard metals into beautiful designs using a formulated acid. Goldsmiths used the etching process in the middle ages before reaching the epitome of the artistic world. Etching stainless steel became famous as the acid worked well on the steel surface. The laser engraving service says the etching technique produces high-quality artwork. The laser engraving near me depicts numerous decorative patterns, textures, and text with beautiful contrast. Chemicals that form acid in water are primarily used for chemical etching stainless steel.

Technique

Laser engraver UK throws light on the technique used by artists to create mesmerizing artwork. The process involves covering the surface of a copper or mild steel plate with a waxy substance, which is resistant to the acid used. The artist will use various tools to reproduce the original artwork by engraving it into the wax layer. The plate will then be submerged into the acid required for Etching for a prescribed time. The image left will be the exact copy of the engraver’s work. Laser engraving service is a very skilled process that requires time.

Acid Used for Etching Stainless Steel

The original etched acid part is known as the Intaglio surface. Chemicals like ferric chloride or copper sulfate can be used for chemical etching stainless steel. The strength of the acid determines the time required for etching steel. Services offering Laser engraving near me can easily procure etching acids and chemicals online. Hydrochloric acid is generally used for etching copper and works well on stainless steel. Copper sulfate etches mild steel. Nitric acid mixed with water in the ratio of 1:2 is also used for the etching process.

Purpose of Acid Etching

Laser engraver UK states that the process of using acid for Etching works wonders on steel plates, sheets, and other metals, including aluminium and brass. The matt nature of the etched part is texturally different from the rest of the surface. It is often used to produce a non-slip grip to the surface of stainless steel, making safer hand tools. So get your hands on the beautiful pieces created using the skilled process.