The Many Benefits of Aluminum Etching

What is the worlds most abundant metal in the crust of the Earth? That is correct, the answer is aluminum. Due to its abundance, it has become one of the more common metals in our daily economy. The metal has countless uses in everyday life. We use it for foil, cans, cooking utensils, baseball bats, automobile parts, sinks, construction, outdoor light poles and even spacecraft. It is this diversity that makes it so important for countless industries. Soft, durable, lightweight, malleable and ductile, this element can come in a Continue reading

Brass Etching, the False Gold Metal

When it comes to etching metals, a number of options are available. Options include the specific process used, and what type of metal will be used. Each metal has its own unique and individual properties. For example, stainless steel is an incredibly hygienic metal. Often etching uses stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass amongst others. Brass is often chosen because of its softness, and easily malleable qualities. Its softness makes it Continue reading

Metal Etching for a Variety of Industries

Hutchinson Technology Inc, Production PhotoPhoto Courtesy of Hutchinson Technology Inc.

The fine lines, designs and words that are seen on jewelry are breathtaking. Maybe it’s because I’m a girl… but I think its incredible how such miniscule patterns can be done with such precision and care. While it can be done with other methods, a common process is metal etching. This practice is used to create grooves, images, holes, lines or designs on pieces of metal or different parts. Metal etching, also known as metal engraving can be Continue reading

Photo Etching vs. Chemical Etching

KEMAC Technology, Inc. Production PhotoPhoto Courtesy of KEMAC Technology Inc.

Perhaps the most productive way of etching metals it through photo etching. In many ways it is similar to chemical etching, but there are some major differences in the process. This is mainly how the coating applied to the metal is formed into the correct pattern. Both are good alternatives to mechanical etching, and both have Continue reading

Stainless Steel and Stainless Steel Etching

VACCO Industries, Inc. Production PhotoPhoto Courtesy of VACCO Industries Inc.

Stainless steel is an immensely important metal that can be used in a wide range of industries. This is because of the abundance in which it can be found, its corrosion resistance, and it hygienic qualities. In addition to these advantages, the metal is also completely recyclable, allowing it to be melted down and reused Continue reading

The Process of Acid Etching

Hearing the word acid always kind of creeps me out. When I hear it, I can’t help but think of the Batman movies. Weird, I know, but these were the superhero movies I grew up on, and it happens. In the old movies, one of his enemies, Two-face is horrendously scarred when acid is thrown on his face. While this is a rarer and negative effect of acid, acid can in fact be very beneficial. One such benefit is acid etching, and while Continue reading

Recent Developments in Chemical Milling

Chemical milling, the process of using chemicals to dissolve portions of unwanted metals, was once used mainly on thinner metals and glass products. Today it can be used on slightly thicker and extremely larger products as well. Lines, designs, words and images can be engraved into the surfaces of these different materials, and the process is being improved upon Continue reading

Christmas Ornaments and Photo Engraving

Engraving gifts is always a nice touch for Christmas, Valentines Day, weddings and anniversaries. While it isn’t necessary, it does allow for a little more sentimentality and love to be expressed through the gifts. A necklace or ornament can double in worth to a person if a few kind words are added to it. The only problem is this can be a costly addition for Continue reading

Methods and Products of Metal Engraving

To cut shapes, words, designs or images into pieces of metal is known as metal engraving. This can be done for many different reasons, and in addition to metals it can also be used on glass items. It can be done for labeling purposes, to show ownership, for logo printing, for decoration, or even for sentimental purposes. There are many purposes and reasons for engraving metals and because of this there are also many Continue reading

The Magic of Chemical Etching

Science has come so far in the past few hundred years. At one time, designs would all have to be cut or melted into products and parts. Then, in the middle ages, European craftsmen discovered the patterns could be created in their armor by applying acids or chemicals to the products. While it may have appeared as a sort of magic at first, the process has now been further developed today and is becoming a regular Continue reading