Ectching resist wax 1

[ttpolymer]

Dear All,

I would like to make some pattern on a metal surface. The pattern is quite deep which needs suitable etching resist to sustain the pattern etching process. The resist can be removed by grinding or any other mechanical methods. Would anyone provide me the contact info. of the supplier or retailer of the etching resist?

Thanks.

 

[kenvlach]

There are many types of masking materials to choose from: laquers, waxes, tapes (the kind that platers & anodizers use), paintable plastics (can be peeled off afterwards). Your choice depends on the chemical and temperature of the cleaning and etching process and the part geometry. Tapes are usually easiest to use if you have a flat or cylindrical substrate, and are available up to 6” wide. 3M is a well-known mfr. of self-adhesive tapes for plating.
You can find the following suppliers at

http://www.finishing.com/Products/index.html

Engineered Products and Services Inc. [Menomenee Falls, WI]
Shercon, Inc [Santa Fe Springs, CA]
Special Masking [Eastlake, OH]
Tolber Division of Pyramid Plastics, Inc. [Hope, AR]
Viadon LLC [Monee, Illinois]

Don’t forget to allow for undercutting (metal eaten away beneath the maskant).
Good luck,
Ken

 

[ttpolymer]

Dear All,

Thanks! kenvlach!

I think the tape is easier to use. However, my boss insists on the wax. I've got the masking wax from my friend. He doesn't know what it is. The wax is very sticky. Its melting point is around 60 degC.
Would you please tell me which companies sell the masking wax?

Thanks.

 

[kenvlach]

A lot of metal finishers use products from Tolber:

http://www.tolber.com/

They have a wide variety of plastisols, lacquers, waxes, etc. Lacquers are usally more durable than waxes during handling. Peelable types are usually more convenient than those removed by melting (for some, dip in boiling water) and especially those that need a solvent (although there are now some that are OSHA- and EPA-friendly).

I won't speculate on your wax, but nearly all are pretty acid resistant (even candle wax & paraffin) and differ mostly in melting point and ease of applying & maintaining sharp lines. Often, tape over areas to be etched, immerse in wax, then remove tape & trim edges. For sharp lines, scribe right through the wax.

 

[smcadman]

The peelable mask would be the way to go. Why is your boss reccomending the wax? Because of cost or what? I used to form (at a previous employer) the helicopter tail booms for Bell-Textron. We would get the material with the mask already applied, and laser cut. We bumped them out (formed if you will), then they were sent out to get acid etched. Then again, we used the peelable mask because we bumped them in the brake press, and I doubt the wax would hold up against the tonnage it takes to form it.

Flores