The Monode family welcomes the customers and products of the Lectroetch company.
Monode is an industry leading supplier of electro chemical etching equipment and supplies, engraved tooling, dot peen equipment and laser marking solutions combined with our patented Traceable-IT software. Monode also has a dedicated customer service desk that is monitored 24/7 for any support issues that may arise.
What is going to change for Lectroetch customers? Not much. When you call the same number, you are still going to talk to Britt. Past that you are going to see a new address soon, some banking information, but that is about it. The benefit you will see will be access to more products and increased technical support to meet your marking needs. Monode manufactures a competitive line of stencil paper that was discontinued by Lectroetch so just ask us about it and we will send you some samples. Monode also has its own complimentary line of electrolytes, power units, and accessories that may help with some of your current supplies.
Traceable-IT, mentioned above, is a scalable, user-friendly software that is a run-time/development software to control all our marking solutions. Traceable IT allows for deployment in the manufacturing environment safely, user permission controlled. Add graphical images and quality documents to your workflow instructions for an unprecedented level of user granularity. If you have more than just etching equipment, you can use this same software on your dot peen or laser system, minimizing your training needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to introducing ourselves and showing our commitment to satisfying our customers.
Tom Mackey, CEO Monode Marking Products, Inc.
Innovators in Electrochemical Etch Marking
Before World War II, most aircraft engine components were hand stamped, which often led to stress fractures in the metal. During the war, the Army Air Corp commissioned several Cleveland engineering groups to create an alternate method of marking these critical components. Electrochemical etching – a controlled corrosion of a metallic surface via electric current – soon became a preferred method of marking for aeronautics and other specialized applications.
From these humble beginnings Monode has risen to become a world leader in the manufacture of electrochemical marking systems, electrolytes and other supplies.
Shallow Etching versus Deep Etching
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.
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.
Applications for Electrochemical Etching
Common uses include:
- Aerospace – Engine parts, bearings and seals
- Medical – Surgical tools and implants
- Tools – Gauges, hand tools, cutlery
Etch Supplies
All of our etching products are made in America and are ready to ship to refresh your supply.
There are a lot of touch points involved in the electro chemical etching marking process that need to be cleaned. All markers and power units can be wiped down with antiviral wipes. Stencils can be cleaned with soap and water. If you are in doubt, order clean/fresh supplies to ensure cleanliness.
