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Kalling's No. 2

Material Specific

Composition

5g CuClâ‚‚, 100ml HCl, 100ml Ethanol

Saturated

Method

Immersion

Time

30s

Alternative Names

Kallings 2Kalling's Reagent

Tags

stainless-steelausteniticchromium-steel

Reveals

Austenite grain boundaries, sigma phase, carbides

Typical Results

Excellent for austenitic stainless steels. Reveals grain boundaries and secondary phases.

Color Effects

Grain boundaries dark, matrix light

Compatible Materials

stainless-steelaustenitic-stainless-steelchromium-nickel-steel

Incompatible Materials

ferritic-steelmartensitic-steel

Application Method

Method:immersion
Typical Time:30 seconds

Preparation Notes

Dissolve 5g CuClâ‚‚ in 100ml HCl, then add 100ml ethanol. Mix thoroughly.

Application Notes

Immerse sample for 30-60 seconds. May require swabbing. Rinse with water and ethanol.

Troubleshooting

Works best on austenitic stainless steels. May over-etch if left too long.

Storage Notes

Store in glass bottle. Shelf life: several months.

Alternative Etchants

  • Glyceregia
  • Aqua Regia

Similar Etchants

  • Kallings No. 1

ASTM References

ASTM E407