Stainless Steel Etchants
CAUTION: Safety is very important when etching. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective clothing and observe all WARNINGS on chemical manufacturers MSDS. Also review COMMENTS Section for each etchant.
|
Etchant |
Conc. |
Conditions |
Comments |
|
Modified Murakami's |
|
1 second to several minutes by immersion or swabbing |
Mix potassium hydroxide into water before adding K3Fe(CN)6. |
|
Hydrochloric acid |
20-30 ml |
Immerse at room temperature for 1-4 minutes |
Color etching. Colors carbides and gamma prime phase in heat resisting steels |
|
Ammonium bifluoride |
20 grams |
Immersion at room temperature for 1-2 minutes |
Color etching. Etching of austenitic stainless steel and welds. Reveals delta ferrite in welds. |
 |
431 Stainless Steel, etched with Modified Murakami's, Mag. 400X (DIC) |