Etching is the process of using acids, bases or other chemically abrasive substances on a material for the purposes of engraving or marking a part or material. Also known as chemical milling, etching can be used to create master prints or dyes out of metal pieces to be used to create numerous imprints of a design or image.
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Telesis Technologies, Inc.Circleville, OH 800-654-5696 As a manufacturer and integrator of Dot-Peen, scribe and laser marking systems and equipment since 1971, Telesis provides permanent part marking solutions to customers all over the world. Telesis continues to expand its part marking technologies to assure you receive the best design for your plant and product needs -- tough and durable to withstand real-world industrial manufacturing conditions.
Elmark Packaging, Inc.West Chester, PA 800-670-9688 Elmark Packaging's representatives have specialized knowledge to access your application and determine the labeling, coding equipment and/or labeling, coding supplies that best fit your requirements. Our innovative designs and competitive pricing have set standards in the packaging industry. For your upcoming etching machines order, contact Elmark for your personalized solution.
Mercury Marking DevicesLake Elsinore, CA 800-269-9305 Mercury Marking Devices has been in engraving since 1918. We offer marking machines and support for your product coding applications. Our marking systems include pin markers; presses-pneumatic, hydraulic and roll markers; steel types and dies; type holders and numbering heads. Call us today to learn more about our company. We look forward to hearing from you!
New Method Steel Stamps, Inc.Fraser, MI 800-582-0199 New Method Steel Stamps is the world leader in manufacturing Automatic Roll Marking Attachments for OD and End Face marking. We also specialize in In-House Designing and Building Primary and Secondary Marking Machines. Numbering Heads, Pneumatic and Manual Impact Marking Presses. We also do recycling inserts (engraving).
Kwikmark Inc.McHenry, IL 815-363-8268 The Kwikmark dot peen impact marking system is a self-contained marking tool that doesn`t require a PC for operation. It is designed to be the easiest system to use & is the fastest dot peen marking machinery system available. The kwikmark is a chipless engraving machine that marks gears & cams and is a cost-effective alternative to laser marking. No training is necessary, & it is low maintenance.
Markem-ImajeKennesaw, GA 770-421-7700 Markem-Imaje intends to be the team to trust for its customers, and thus to become the unrivalled leader in its market. They are embracing product design, pricing and service goals that reduce your total expenses over time. The company is also developing products and policies that reduce cost, waste and our environmental footprint. For etching machines, call today.
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Etching Machines
In the process of etching, material is selectively removed along lines or patterns by using either layers of chemically resistant material or by only partially immersing the part in the acid or etching chemical. Common chemicals used in etching include: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, cupric chloride and more. The chemical used is determined by the metal being etched as some acids are more effective on certain metals than others. The part to be etched is thoroughly cleaned before the masking layer or resistant material is applied. It is important for good adhesion to occur between the masking layer and the part in order to ensure consistent removal of the masking layer. This will further ensure uniform etching in the desired pattern. Masking can be in the form of a tape or painted coating which resists the etching chemical and prevents removal of the part in areas where it is not desired. Elastomers such as rubber and neoprene can also be used as masking layers to separate the material from the etching chemicals and allow for the desired part marking.The pattern or image to be etched is then carved out of the masking, exposing the part to the chemical and allowing the pattern to be etched into it. Careful consideration must be taken with regard to determining the amount of time the etching chemical or reagent is allowed to act upon the part, and this will be dependent on the material being etched. Etching is commonly used for metals, glass and stone, and the longer an acid is allowed to react with the material for, the deeper the lines etched will be. When the desired depth of etching is achieved on a part, it is thoroughly washed and sent for further machining. Applications such as circuit boards, solar cells and semiconductors are made using the process of etching. It can also be used with larger items such as aircraft components and extruded frames for larger aircraft and missiles. If it is a print that is being etched, after the resisting layer of masking is cleaned off, the surface of the part is covered in ink and wiped. Ink will remain in the etched pattern or design and when applied to a material such as paper or a soft plastic in a press, will be transferred, creating an imprint of the image. This can be repeated numerous times with consistent results and is an effective method of printing, but it less common today than other types of printers such as industrial inkjet printers.
