Electromarking Facts

What is electromarking?

Electromarking is chemical marking or etching with the use of low voltage electrical current. Using a low amperage power unit and a stencil of the desired marking, a solution referred to as an electrolyte is applied, which allows the electrical current to pass through and onto the metal.

Electromarking facts

Electromarking is recognized as the best way to permanently mark conductive metal surfaces. It produces a sharp, attractive and economical design or impression. It does not cause distortion, sharp indentation, stress, burrs or strain. The mark is permanent because metal is etched away from the surface through the design stencil.

Electromarking can produce an etch ranging from less than .0001" to as deep as 0.010", through the use of AC or DC current. AC current makes a shallow etch from .0001" to .0002" in depth, depending on the length of time the stencil and the solution are in contact with the metal. The resulting etch is dark or contrasts with the surrounding metal. The degree of darkness depends on many things; however, the base metal is the most important.

For example, some stainless steels give only a brown mark, whereas monel metal gives a jet black mark. With AC, metal is etched away during half of the cycle and an oxide is deposited in the etch during the other half of the cycle. This oxide deposit will withstand corrosive action, as has been demonstrated by its capability to stand up under extensive salt spray tests over long periods of time. DC current provides a deep etch from .0001" to.010" in depth. This leaves a clear or white etch on most metals. With DC, metal is etched away during the complete cycle. The deep etch cannot be removed without removing the base metal to the depth of the etch.

Why use electromarking?

Electromarking is simple, fast, safe and economical. The average mark is made within less than a second to 1 or 2 seconds, depending on the depth of the etch desired. The electrolyte solution is nearly neutral on the ph scale and therefore will not damage skin, clothing or surrounding equipment. The low voltage currents, about 32 volts, are harmless. Due to product longevity and reliability, simplicity of the process with the resulting savings in time, and the low cost of supplies, electromarking is very economical. The same stencil may be used for multiple identifying marks. Personnel need no special skills or training.

Hardened, thin or delicate, already assembled parts and even carbides can be marked easily and permanently without distortion. Therefore, electromarks will not peel off, rub off, fall off or become lost. All conductive metal surfaces, including plated surfaces and the majority of other supplemental coatings can be marked. Parts can be marked for stock identification in the field. Additionally, parts can be marked immediately after production or assembly, or can be stored without a mark and then quickly marked prior to shipment. This is beneficial where the same part may require a different identification for different customers.

Who uses electromarking?

A wide range of manufacturers use electromarking. Manufacturers who produce fine cutlery, feeler gauges, saw blades and other components all prefer this method of marking. Electromarking is used extensively by the aerospace, aircraft and automobile industries.

What components are necessary?

1. Power unit
   These units come in a wide range of sizes, depending on specific needs or requirements. These devices reduce a standard 110-120 volt AC current to a variable 0-32 volts, and provide either AC or DC current.
2. Markers
   These devices are available either in hand held or bench models. They hold the stencil and carry the electrolyte solution and appropriate current to the part being marked.
3. Stencil
   A thin sheet of material with a special coating which carries the design or desired marking. These are available in either Impression Stencils or Photographic Stencils. The Impression Stencil is used for any number, word, letter or code which may be typed with a standard typewriter or, die-impressed. The Photographic Stencil is used for any custom design, including logos, fancy type or other unique marks.
4. Electrolyte
   This solution conducts the etching current and provides the necessary chemicals to etch the metal and deposit the oxide for a contrasting mark.
5. Neutralyte
   This solution is used to remove the electrolyte and surplus oxides from the part after marking.

Specific information pertaining to each component listed above and our complete product line may be found in our detailed product catalog which you may obtain by filling out our online info request form.