The most favored metal in the manufacturing industry-steel comes with a list of beneficial properties. Steel comes in many variants that help industries make use of the resilience and durability of the metal. Industries like automotive, electronics and communication, aerospace use etched steel which is a great commodity to make everyday items. A highly cost-effective and accurate process, etching of steel, can be done using various etchants. Here are a few choices:

PICRAL- A GOOD ETCHANT FOR MILD STEEL

First in the list of etchants for mild steel is,picral which is 100 ml of ethanol and, picric acid of 2-4g. The solution that is 4% saturated is commonly and widely used. Picral has served as a very powerful etchant for mild steel. Also, picral and nital can together be used in a 1:1 proportion.

HEYN’S REAGENT- AN EASY SOLUTION

A combination of 40g of copper (II) ammonium chloride and 40g of distilled water-Heyn’s reagent is used to remove phosphorus from mild steel. Copper precipitates on the surface should be removed using distilled water or should be washed off using a wash bottle of distilled water.

OBERHOFFER’S REAGENT- AN ETCHANT FOR SEGREGATION STUDIES

Oberhoffer’s reagent is a popular etchant for mild steel as it is helpful in segregation studies. The reagent is a combination of 500 ml of ethanol, 500 ml of distilled water, 30g ferric chloride, 50 ml of hydrochloric acid, 0.5g of stannous chloride and, 1g of copper chloride. Once the process of etching is over, the etched part is to be rinsed with a mixture of ethanol and hydrochloric acid in a 4:1 ratio.

DIMETHYLGLYOXINE NICKEL TEST-TO REMOVE A COMMON IMPURITY

Nickel is a primary impurity in ancient steel. A simple test is performed to identify this. A bloating paper soaked in dimethygloxine is exposed to the polished area of the steel. The bloating paper is pressed on the area, this exposes the nickel-rich areas creating brown stains on the bloating paper.

VILLELA’S REAGENT-TO EXPOSE THE PROPER GRAIN SIZE

This reagent is

helpful in revealing the needles of plate martensite clearly and cleverly. The reagent is a combination of 100ml ethanol,1 g picric acid, and 5ml of hydrochloric acid. The authentic grain size of tempered steel is exposed using this reagent.

ALCOHOL SODIUM PICRATE-DISTINGUISH IRON CARBIDE AND FERRITE IN STEELS

A solution of 25g sodium hydroxide, 2g picric acid, and 50ml distilled water. This is highly beneficial in differentiating between ferrite and iron carbide in steels. The Etching process carried out with this solution can help determine pearlite lamellae spacing. The solution gives better results when used at 50-70 degrees centigrade than using it at boiling point. When the solution is used, ferrite remains unaffected while the cementite darkens.

Etching can be done by various methods-photo etching, acid etching, etc. Acid etching remains a favorite for artists and is called artists’ technique. Photo etching on the other hand helps to retain the quality of the metal to its perfection without leaving stress on it. Businesses can use the techniques that best suit their needs and demands.