BradG
Member
Electrolytic Etching is something I've wanted to do for a while, as it replaces the messy use of Ferric Chloride which stains everything it touches. I'm also not overly keen on the fumes it can put out.
Another benefit is that Electrolytic Etching is much slower compared to exothermic reactions, giving you greater control over the process.
Much nicer handling salt water oppose to other far more aggressive corrosives. alot easier to clean up if you spill.
The system consists of a small tank of salt water, with a sacrificial stainless steel cathode, connected to the negative of the power supply. The part you are etching becomes the anode, being connected to the positive of the power supply.
The catch?.... yes there is one. The power supply required for this needs to be quite powerful. Currently, my variable power supply can be set between 0-70V 3A. For this process, I should be using at least 10A, so I am severely under current. The target goal would be 1 volt, and you would increase your current until you can achieve this. To my understanding higher voltages and insufficient current will cause pitting, as can be seen on the big open areas on the etch below. I sanded the surface of the etch so you can see just how mottled it is.
On a plus side though, look at the areas in between the cogs and the areas surrounded by masked metal. they are silky smooth! really impressed with the finish here.
The depth is great and would hold a variety of background fillers & paints well. This etch was for 1 hour 10 minutes, and I suspect this will be around 30-40 minutes once I've saved up enough to buy the bigger power supply.
I just noticed in the pictures, the etch is deeper at one end, which will be caused by the cathodes laying on the bottom of the tank oppose to running parallel down the sides.
Il keep working on this one to see how I can tweak the process, and il put a how to guide together once I've cracked it.
Another benefit is that Electrolytic Etching is much slower compared to exothermic reactions, giving you greater control over the process.
Much nicer handling salt water oppose to other far more aggressive corrosives. alot easier to clean up if you spill.
The system consists of a small tank of salt water, with a sacrificial stainless steel cathode, connected to the negative of the power supply. The part you are etching becomes the anode, being connected to the positive of the power supply.
The catch?.... yes there is one. The power supply required for this needs to be quite powerful. Currently, my variable power supply can be set between 0-70V 3A. For this process, I should be using at least 10A, so I am severely under current. The target goal would be 1 volt, and you would increase your current until you can achieve this. To my understanding higher voltages and insufficient current will cause pitting, as can be seen on the big open areas on the etch below. I sanded the surface of the etch so you can see just how mottled it is.
On a plus side though, look at the areas in between the cogs and the areas surrounded by masked metal. they are silky smooth! really impressed with the finish here.
The depth is great and would hold a variety of background fillers & paints well. This etch was for 1 hour 10 minutes, and I suspect this will be around 30-40 minutes once I've saved up enough to buy the bigger power supply.
I just noticed in the pictures, the etch is deeper at one end, which will be caused by the cathodes laying on the bottom of the tank oppose to running parallel down the sides.
Il keep working on this one to see how I can tweak the process, and il put a how to guide together once I've cracked it.
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