Electrolytes and Neutralytes for electrochemical marking

Electrolytes, neutralytes, and cleaning solutions for electrochemical marking

Electrolytes are water-based solutions of metallic salts with necessary inhibitors and wetting agents. These formulated solutions create the desired mark through electrolytic action.

To make a clear, sharp mark it's important to use the right electrolyte. We have electrolytes for almost every application. The correct electrolyte depends on the metal or metal alloy you need to mark.

Standard Electrolytes

Nuclear Grade Electrolyte

Specially formulated electrolyte to meet MIL-STD-792 standards. Certified to contain less than 250 ppm of halides, chlorides, lead, and other elements for nuclear applications.

Compliance:

MIL-STD-792 Certified

<250 ppm halides, chlorides, lead

SC-44 Electrolyte & Neutralyte

Complete marking solution kit including both electrolyte for marking and neutralyte for post-mark cleaning. Most popular combination for general applications.

Includes both electrolyte and neutralyte solutions

Neutralyte

Specially formulated to remove excess electrolyte, salts, and oxides which otherwise attract and hold moisture leading to corrosion.

Critical for Corrosion Prevention

Always use neutralyte after marking to prevent rust and corrosion

Neutracleaners

Specialized cleaning solutions designed for specific post-marking applications. Provides thorough cleaning and neutralization in a single step.

Available in various formulations for different metals and applications

Oil Immersion Cleaner

Specialized cleaner for parts that will be oil-coated or stored in oil after marking. Ensures proper neutralization before oil application.

Polarized Oil

Protective oil coating applied after marking and neutralizing. Provides additional corrosion protection for marked parts.

Deep Etch Pad 3121

Heavy-duty extra absorbent pads used mainly for deep etching applications. Holds electrolyte for extended marking operations.

10 pads per pack • Use with carbon marking cartridges

Absorbent Wick 4310

Absorbent material for neutralyte wells and cleaning assemblies. Ensures thorough neutralization and cleaning of marked parts.

Choosing the Right Electrolyte

The correct electrolyte depends on the metal or metal alloy you need to mark. With the number of different metals, alloys, platings, and coatings used today, we recommend you submit a sample for test marking.

Contact our factory direct or your distributor for electrolyte selection assistance.

Critical: Prevent Corrosion

All cases of rusting or corrosion after marking can be traced back to poor cleaning techniques.

• Always neutralize immediately after marking
• Use clean neutralyte and cleaning materials
• Ensure cleaning applicator does not become contaminated with electrolyte
• Thoroughly dry parts after neutralizing
• Apply protective oil if parts will be stored

Electrolyte Compatibility Reference Table

Quick reference guide for selecting the correct electrolyte based on metal type, desired mark color, and current type.

Metal Type	Electrolyte	Color	Current	Comments
Alodyne, Anodyne	SC-35, 13, 16	Black	AC	Firm pressure gives sharp marks
Aluminum 99% Pure	13, SC-44	Black	AC	Allow a few seconds for set-up prior to cleaning. Use on bright finish surfaces
	16, 95-NC	White	DC
Aluminum-10% Magnesium or Silicone	16, SC-44, 50	White	DC
Antimony	12, 11, 26	Black	AC
		White	DC
Anodized Aluminum				Deep etch before anodizing for depth
Bearing Steel	11	Black	AC
Beryllium, Bismuth	72	White	DC
Black Oxide - Heat Treat Coating	B-1, 10	White	AC
	17, SC-44	White	DC
Bronze, Brass	12, 15	Black	AC
		White	DC
Cadmium	72, 12	Black	AC
Carbides: Boron Bearing	16	Black	AC
Carbides: Tantalum Bearing	16	Black	AC
Carbides: Titanium Bearing	16, 94	Black	AC
Carbides: Tungsten Bearing	16	Black	AC
Chromium	11, 71	Black	AC
		White	DC
Cobalt Alloys	10, 35	Black	AC
		White	DC
Copper and Alloys	12, 15	Black	AC	Black mark not always possible. Allow to set-up prior to neutralizing
		White	DC
Discaloy	17	Black	AC
Gold	10, 12, 16	Clear	DC
		Black	AC
Hastelloy	SC-44, 10	Black	AC
	11	White	DC
Inconel	SC-44, 10	Black	AC
		White	DC
Iron	10, 35, SC-44	Black	AC
		White	DC
Lead and Alloys	12, 16, SC-85	Black	AC
		White	DC
Magnesium and Alloys	16, 12	Black	AC
	SC-44	White	DC
Monel	12, 16, SC-45, SC-82	Black	AC
	17	White	DC
Nickel		Black	AC
	26	White	DC
Non-Corrosive on Steel	72	Black	AC
Palladium, Platinum	26, 72	White	DC
Rhenium	10, 35, 50	White	DC
Rhodium	SC-44, 94	White	DC
Steel	71	Black	AC
		White	DC
Selenium	12, 26, SC-45	Black	AC
		White	DC
Silver Plate and Alloy	12, 26, SC-45	Black	AC
		White	DC
Stainless Steel 300 & 400 Series - Mill Steel	10, 35, SC-44, 94	Black	AC
	50	White	DC
Stellite	10, 35, SC-44	Black	AC
Tantalum and Alloy	16, 71	Black	AC
Tin, Plate, Dip and Alloys	12, 16, SC-85	Black	AC
Titanium	10, SC-44, 59-CSF	Blue	AC	Low power
Thorium	71, 26	Black	AC
		White	DC
Tungsten	16, 94	Black	AC
		White	DC
Uranium	72	Black	AC
		White	DC
Vanadium	17, 72	Black	AC
		White	DC
Zinc	16, SC-85, SC-44	Black	AC
Zirconium		Blue	AC
	72	White	DC

Important Note:

This table is a general reference guide. Actual results may vary based on surface condition, marking technique, and specific alloy composition. For critical applications, we recommend submitting a sample for test marking to determine the optimal electrolyte and parameters.

Not Sure Which Electrolyte to Use?

Submit a sample for test marking. We'll determine the best electrolyte for your specific metal and application, ensuring optimal mark quality.

Request Test Marking