What does "deep etch high voltage" actually mean?

It's the higher-voltage DC mode a unit needs to remove material to a true depth rather than just marking the surface. Only the M311E and M550E (plus the Lectroetch line, by design) offer this; the M150E and M450E are built for standard, shallow marking.

What's the advantage of a digital unit over analog?

The M450E and M550E add operator lockout to prevent unauthorized setting changes, accessory capability, and file storage for saving marking programs. If you're running a regulated environment or want repeatable settings across shifts, digital is the better fit.

Is the V45A only for automotive?

Its primary, proven use case is automotive formability testing via grid marking, but the underlying capability, low photogrammetry error at controllable voltage, may suit other sheet-metal forming applications. Talk to an engineer if your use case isn't automotive.

Data matrix code and serial number M123456 laser-etched onto a metallic surface

Electrochemical Etching

Electrochemical Etching Power Units

The core design of our power unit line has been essentially unchanged since 1956. That's not a product that hasn't kept up. That's a product that was right the first time. Every unit switches between AC and DC output, from 6 to 44 volts, controlled by a rheostat, with thermal overload or fuse protection built in.

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Monode Etching Power Units

Unit	Type	Low Voltage	High Voltage (Deep Etch)	Operator Lockout	Accessory Capability	File Storage
M-150E	Analog	6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20V	—	—	—	—
M-311E	Analog	6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20V	to 40V	—	—	—
M-450E	Digital	6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20V	—	Yes	Yes	Yes
M-550E	Digital	6, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20V	to 40V	Yes	Yes	Yes

Monode 150 E solid state power unit with a control panel and front terminals

M-150E Dual Purpose Power Unit

Monode’s most popular power unit for surface etching — a cost-effective, general-use unit suitable for most tool crib and hand marking requirements.

Monode 311 E Solid State Power Unit with front control buttons and Monode and Ground terminals

M-311E Deep Etch Power Unit

A higher-power unit built for deep etching — capable of marking more than 0.006″ into most substrates using Monode’s low-stress deep marking process.

Monode 450E Digital Etching Unit with an Ethernet and USB port highlighted on the right panel

M-450E Digital Power Unit

The digital counterpart to the M-150E — same shallow-to-standard etching voltage range, plus operator lockout, accessory capability, and file storage for shops that need more control and repeatability than an analog dial provides.

Monode 550E Digital Etching Unit with control buttons, digital display, and connection terminals

M-550E Digital Power Unit

The digital counterpart to the M-311E — full deep-etch voltage range plus operator lockout, accessory capability, and file storage, for shops needing both marking depth and digital repeatability.

Monode LectroEtch Model V10A power unit with control switches, dial, and digital display

Lectroetch V10A Power Unit

An analog power unit with a digital display — dial in the precise voltage you need, and watch real-time volts and amperage as you mark. Adjustable across 0-26 volts with AC/DC switching and a pulse interrupter.

Monode LectroEtch Model V45A Power Unit with analog meters, switches, and power control dial

Lectroetch V45A Power Unit

A higher-amperage analog unit designed for grid marking, pulling up to 50 amps with low photogrammetry error — the standard choice for automotive formability testing.

Your power unit choice tracks directly to the decision you made on the hub page:

This guidelines are a starting point. Our applications engineers confirm the right unit for your material, depth, and volume.

Need a standard, shallow etch?

Look for AC output. Every unit on this page supports it.

Need a deep etch (.001 to .003 inches or more)?

You need DC output and, for etches beyond .003", a unit with a pulsing timer.

Need file storage, an operator lockout, or accessory capability?

Step up to a digital unit.

Running grid marking for sheet-metal formability testing?

The V45A is purpose-built for this.

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Power Units FAQs

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Match the power unit to your etch depth and volume with an engineer, or start with a test mark to see the output on your own part. Not sure whether the AM25 or AM30T fits your volume?

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