How Electrolytic Marking Works
Electrolytic marking is one of the most classic systems for making indelible marks on stainless steel and other types of metals.
Throughelectrolytic etching, all materials capable of conducting electricity, such as steel, stainless steel, iron, cast iron, titanium, etc., can be marked.
Automator Marking Systems' electrochemical markingkits consist of three basic elements:
- The stencil;
- The electrolytic liquid;
- The electric current.
The electrolytic marking stencil is the matrix on which what is to be marked on the workpiece (e.g., logos, alphanumeric lettering, etc.) is engraved.
Electrolytic liquid is the substance through which current is passed. The various types of electrolytic liquid that are on the market are divided mainly between those with an acid component and those without an acid component. The difference between the two types of liquid lies in the fact that the one containing acid must be neutralized, while the one without acid requires no such treatment.
Finally,to achieve electrolyticmarking , there must be a passage of current between the part to be marked, the stencil and the electrolytic liquid. Exactly, the passage of electrical charge must be from a low-voltage, low-intensity electrode.
Through the latter passage, one is able to make the etching on a semi-porous matrix, which is made conductive through the use of a special electrolytic liquid.
The system works with both direct current (DC) and the use of an alternating current (AC). Through direct current, clearindelible marking isachieved and it is suitable for use on nonferrous materials, such as brass, copper, tin, silver and aluminum. Alternating current, on the other hand, provides a darker engraving and can be used on purely ferrous materials, such as steel, iron, and tools.
Automator Marking Systems has been involved in electrolytic marking on steel andelectrolytic etching of aluminum and other materials formany years , offering its customers a consistently excellent result.
