Electrochemical Etching Power Units

Shallow Etch Power Units

Shallow Etching

Shallow etching results from a deposit of a contrasting surface mark approximately one ten-thousandth of an inch deep.

Shallow etching is very fast – a mark is typically produced in less than a second. The impression is dark in color, the degree of which depends on a number of factors including the base metal. Some stainless steel yields only a dark brown mark, whereas Monel can produce a jet black mark with the proper electrolyte.

M 150E Power Unit

Analog Electrochemical Power Units

M 450E

Digital Electrochemical Power Unit

LectroEtch V10A

Analog unit with Digital display brings the old style together with modern technology. Voltages ranging from 0-26 volts you can adjust your unit to the precise voltage you would like to use for your marking. Unit settings can alternate between AC/DC and have a “pulse” interrupter switch. Digital display shows in real time the volt setting and the amount of amperage the unit is pulling while marking.

DEEP ETCHING UNITS

Deep Etching

Deep etching uses a heavy duty power unit with DC current to remove metallic ions from the base material.

When used with an appropriate stencil material, etching pad and the material-specific electrolyte, base material can be removed without molecular deformation into the part being etched. A heavy duty power unit can easily produce etches in the range of .001 – .003 inches, and often deeper if required.

If repeatable depth is necessary, use of a power unit with both cycle and current pulse timers is recommended.

When deep etches exceeding .003 inches are required, it is advisable to use a pulsating power unit with a timer. The pulsating current takes advantage of the peak power surge at the beginning of each pulse to reduce overall etch time as well as heat buildup in the stencil, the marking head and the part being etched.

M 311E Power Unit

Analog Electrochemical Power Units

M 550E

Digital Electrochemical Power Unit

LectroEtch V45A

Analog unit with amphenol cord attachment used for grid marking with voltages ranging between 6, 8,12,15,18,22 volts capable of pulling 50 amps. Designed for low photogrammetry error. Used predominantly in the auto industry for testing automotive formability.  Unit settings can alternate between AC/DC and have an interrupter option.