The stainless steel etching process

Stainless steel etching involves a subtractive process in which you use an etchant to come up with very accurate and complex components. The process is a more valuable and cost-effective alternative to laser cutting, jet cutting, and stamping, especially for thin gauge steel of up to 2mm thickness. The process involves quick lead times and low set-up costs and that’s why it’s economical when producing batches( irrespective of batch size, 1 to millions) of chemically etched steel. But first, why should you etch steel, or rather what are the benefits of etching stainless steel?
Process benefits
Cost-effectiveness: stainless steel etching is a low-cost process that doesn’t burden you financially as compared to other similar processes.
Design optimization: the process is digitalized and can be adapted quickly thus allowing you to have risk-free design optimization.
Extreme accuracy: when etching stainless steel, you’ll not use any mechanical force and therefore your material and its components remain unaltered from burrs.
Complexity: the process allows for the simultaneous mechanization of steel features thus creating room for almost limitless complexity.
The etching process
– Prepare the stainless steel for etching
Remove any burrs on the sides of the piece you want to etch. You can leave the other side with burrs especially if you are etching a steel plate. Burrs are easily removed by filing. Then, use a chlorine cleanser to brush the steel in a circular motion. This helps to leave your surface gritty to grip the resist material. Be sure not to use too much force when scrubbing as doing so can etch extra unwanted lines on the surface, which are not even part of the design you want. Then, rinse the steel with water and clean it once more with isopropyl acid.
– Choose the design you want to etch and transfer it on the steel
Of all the images you’d like, take one or several depending on their size and the size of your steel. You draw the image by yourself or you can replicate an existing design. Let the image you choose to be black and white but high-contrast. Transfer the image onto the steel by either using the wax method, the use of permanent markers or using the iron-on stencil method. Most people find using permanent markers easy. With it, you cover the parts of the steel that you don’t want the etching acid to reach using a permanent marker.
– Cover the edges
You don’t want to etch the edges of your steel using the etching chemical. So cover them with tape. You can even opt to paint them.
– Apply the etching acid
There are different types of acids for etching the different types of steel. Ferric chloride is most suitable for etching stainless steel. Mix the ferric chloride with water in equal proportions to form hydrochloric acid. Immerse your steel into the acid. Let the side with the image face downwards so that you get cleaner lines. If you happen to immerse with the image side facing upwards, some flakes might form but they can be easily swept away using a light brush. Allow enough time for the steel plate to stay in the acid until you see that the lines have been formed to the depth you wish.
– Remove steel plate from the acid and clean it
Once you are satisfied with the lines, remove the steel from the acid and wash it using clean water. If you find the need to neutralize the acid, use baking soda. Finally, remove the resist material you used.

The Use of Equivital’s Human Monitoring Technology In Ice Mile Swimming Challenge

The participants of Ice Mile, a swimming challenge, have to swim one mile in less than 5-degree temperature, an icy temperature. This challenge is considered one of the most dangerous challenges on this earth still it is gaining popularity since the last few years as it has encouraged a number of courageous swimmers to participate in it.

The International Ice Swim Association has put safety rules and measures in place to ensure the security of the swimmers participating in this challenge. These rules and measures include:

The swimmer should swim single-handed after wearing a standard swimming costume along with a cap and goggles. Being a personal challenge the participants of Ice Mile should follow all the rules of safety control perfectly.

John Kenny, Giles D. Warrington, and Sarah Jane Cullen have reached two Ice Mile swimmers and conducted a case study on them. In this study, the researchers have examined the physiological challenges as well as the safety problems faced by the swimmers during the Ice Mile swimming challenge.

The samples of respiratory rate and breathing rate were taken and recorded at the interval of 5 minutes for 30 minutes before the start of this challenge as well as for 60 minutes after its end. For the entire period of this test, the breathing rate, as well as respiratory rate, was reported at intervals of 1 minute each during this swimming challenge.

For this type of research, the EQ02+ LifeMonitor provided by Eqivital is considered as an ideal device as it ensures the transmission of real-time data. The IPx7 Water ingress protection rating of this device allows you to monitor the data for up to 30 minutes in water up to 1-meter depth.

LifeMonitor is able to work in freezing conditions involved in the ice Mile challenge as it can be operated from -10 degrees to 50 degrees temperature.

While explaining the outcome of the study Mr. Giles D. Warrington, the co-author of the paper, has explained the reasons for choosing the LifeMonitor of Equivital as during this research it was the option to measure the physiological data of the swimmers.

He further said that though sports like Ice Mile performed in extreme conditions are gaining popularity since the last few years but they also significantly offer physiological challenges on the body of the swimmers. The basis of this study was to observe and assess the response of swimming up to 1,600 meters in cold water at a temperature of fewer than 5 degrees C, performed from the point of safety and start. In order to get reliable, persistent and valid information about main physiological variables like respiratory rate and the temperature of the human body the idea of using LifeMonitor of Equivital was ideal as its integrated monitoring system can work perfectly in extreme weather conditions.

Some of the great information found through this study about the physiological requirements of the swimmers of Ice Mile challenge which can help in improving the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of all the participants of this challenge.

Digital anemometer an ideal tool for for checking air flow

Digital anemometer is one of the most advanced devices used to update the weather. This is the latest technology that has acquired much other equipments that is used to check the weather. The digital anemometer is extremely easy to use because it has electronic circuits designed to provide fast data. Wind speed can be checked in seconds using this device. Accurate electronic measurement at any time by manual verification. The reason for the accuracy is associated with electronic circuits and computers connected to the calculation of data. This is one of the easiest ways to check the wind speed during its operation.

An anemometer has become the most popular choice among many people. This anemometer uses a hot wire, and when the wind passes through it, the wire cools. Thus, the cooling of the wires gives the final result of the difference in electrical resistance. One of the distinguishing features of a hot wire anemometer is that it will give you quick readings. But since the hot wire anemometer is very fragile, you have to be very careful when using it. If you are not careful, you may damage the anemometer.

There is another type of anemometer that helps check wind pressure. These meters are digitally controlled and technically advanced to help check for weather updates. A digital anemometer can also be purchased online. There are many sites on the Internet that you can use to buy a high-performance digital anemometer. Another attractive feature of this device is extremely useful in extreme weather conditions. Alerts Before the storm approaches, to update the weather, this is one of my favorite devices that you can use. Buying the Internet will save you money and time. Prices can be compared between two or more places; You can buy them directly from the site, which offers devices at the lowest price. There is a 4-cup anemometer that is very accurate and ensures that the reading shows wind speed, well, this manual setting does exist. When it comes to digital use, everything is just as different as the capture speed of the internal circuit and the wind pressure.

The collected data can be stored in a digital anemometer, you have memory options that help restore previous data. The lap width can be adjusted according to your requirements, this is one of the special functions that can be used in extreme weather conditions. You can increase the brightness if you work in low light conditions. Most digital anemometers can calculate average airspeed and wind speed. This will help you get different ways of calculating the weather. A digital pressure gauge, airflow cover and digital pressure gauges are also available through the Internet.

A high-temperature anemometer uses specific digital stability for each meter. Uses high-performance nickel hydride batteries. It also comes with a charger, so you can always achieve maximum performance. It gives you a large amount of memory for recording sleepers and other measurements. You are given high precision at high speed and high temperature. It is also insensitive to dirt and meets community requirements for immunity and immunity.This anemometer is used for many applications. These applications include: general-purpose air flow measurement, velocity and air flow calibration for combustion, pipelines, piping aggregation and speed, and finally for research and development.

WHAT IS ACID ETCHING?

WHAT IS ACID ETCHING?
Acid etching reaction of hydrochloric acid with the solid surface, and then flushing off with water. The acid artificially responds with the surface, dissolving it and permitting it and other water-solvent contaminants to be washed away. This enables the covering to be more ready and hold fast to the surface, giving a superior, longer enduring completion. This step is recommended to be carried out on the doors, exits, and all concrete floors.

There are two kinds of acid cleaning, fluid, and gels. Fluids are dissolved in with at least 2 or more parts of water poured on the floor. Utilizing a firm fiber floor brush the mixture is spread over the surface and then tidied up. Gels are moved on the floor with a snooze roller and left to stay for 15 minutes. And then they are cleaned with a squeegee and cleaned with a residue skillet. Any buildup is cleaned with a squeegee and water.

Liquid etching has been suggested by aproducers for quite a long time yet is an effective method to covering concrete. The issue is that acid is a hazardous item and most makers sell diluted items for health reasons. At the point when you apply a dilute acid, it gives weakened outcomes. The other alternative utilizing a gelled acid is considerably more compelling and more secure to utilize.

Acid etching is one of the way of concrete cleaning. Other tools involve sandblasting, but there are special equipment and personnel specialists. Acid etching is the best way to prepare a DIY product.

Acid etching can be difficult not only for concrete but also for the environment. Regular use or exposure to pets, plants, and people can cause skin irritation and shortness of breath. But all acid properties are not the same, some are safe.

Acid etching removes slightly bound laitance and somewhat cleans the surface. It doesn’t remove contaminants, for example, water-insoluble solids, oils or curing mixes. It may not get rid of all laitance. All corrosive must be cleaned, however, residual acid is hard to recognize. Acid etching is sufficient for light floor coatings.

FLOOR PREPARATION PROCEDURE USING ACID

  1. get rid of all residue by brooming and vacuum.
  2. remove the oil by washing with a free-flushing, basic cleanser. Wash off all deposits with consumable water. Repeat with water again.

3 pour 1 of 33% hydrochloric acid to 2 sections water to make a 10% solution. Continuously add acid to water and have eye protection and, gloves and all other proper defensive gear.

  1. Apply generously to cover the floor utilizing a huge watering can.
  2. Allow for 15 minutes, then scrub the concrete then rinse with water.
  3. rinse with a gentle soluble cleanser. Wash with liberal amounts of clean water. High-pressure wash to 3,000 PSI will guarantee a progressively quick and intensive outcome.

Advantages of acid etching

Simple to tidy up with running water
non-ozone exhausting
Water-based
Biodegradable
Reasonable for treating vertical and flat surfaces
Non-combustible
Contains no TAPs
Low scent

Chemistry of metal etching

Businesses which require intricately designed metal parts manufactured in small quantities are often told that chemical etching is the most effective way of manufacturing the metal parts. Hence they would like to know the etching definition chemistry so that they can take the right decision, to find out if it will provide the levels of accuracy they require. Understanding the etching process will also help decide whether the manufacturer will be able to deliver the metal parts in the specified design of the promised quality according to the delivery schedule required.
Etching is traditionally defined as the process of using an acid or other corrosive chemical for cutting into a metal, alloy or other material to create a design or pattern according to the requirement of the customer. Typically in many appliances, machines and gadgets, there are some metal components which have intricate designs. Manufacturing these components using conventional methods like machining, laser cutting, wire erosion can be expensive and time consuming. Etching can be used for a wide range of metals like aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, spring steel, nickel, copper, brass, beryllium,silver and bronze.
The metal part which is being etched is first cleaned to remove any dirt and impurities. Then based on the pattern which is being etched, a UV photo resist is applied to both sides of the metal using special rollers. Any excess material which is applied is then removed. Special care is taken to ensure that the pattern applied on both the sides are aligned perfectly using a photo tool which acts on both sides of the sheet. The metal sheet on which the artwork has been applied is then exposed to UV light, to harden the pattern on the metal before it is subjected to chemical washing.
The metal sheets are then passed through a ferric chloride solution. The chemistry of etching, involves the ferric chloride reacting with the metal surface which is not coated, to form a liquid, which is then washed away. The ferric chloride does not act on the surface which is coated with the photo resist, so a pattern is formed in the uncoated metal area. A large number of sheets can be placed on the conveyor which is subjected to etching using ferric chloride, for large scale production. One of the major advantage of using this method for metal part production is that force is not required, and burrs are not formed.
The etched metal parts are then placed on a wire tray and passed through a stripping chamber where the photo resist is then removed. The etched parts are then checked for quality using the latest optical inspection equipment, ensuring that the dimensions and design meet the customer specifications. One of the advantages of using this method of production of sheet metal parts is the high level of accuracy since the tolerance is 0.010 mm. The manufacturing facility conforms to the Aerospace standards and is approved by Rolls Royce. After the metal parts conform to quality checks they are then processed further or packed and sent to the customer.

Chemical milling

Any kind of manufacturing process requires a great deal of precision  to be able to pull off. This is why so many companies rely on experts in the field. They need companies that are dedicated to creating high quality items that are fully functional and can stand up to pressure over time. Many areas of manufacturing require help from companies that are capable to creating products that are set in precise parameters and can meet both local and international standards for excellence. This is true when it comes to a process known as chemical milling. This process must be done with great care in order to get the kind of results that companies today require. High levels of accuracy and fast speeds are needed in order to keep up with the demands of the modern manufacturing process and assist companies in creating products of their own for their many awaiting markets.
With companies are able to work closely with our helpful and highly skilled staffers, they will find it easy to have people who are truly proactive at their side. At our company, our staffers and others who work with us have been able to offer our many customers the kind of simple solutions yet highly useful solutions they need to make the kind of complex manufacturing necessary for survival in the modern world. They help with all kinds of industry problems when it comes to milling. As a result of our dedication to detail and our ability to respond quickly, we have earned a loyal following. Chemical milling is the illustration of our determination to provide our clients with the help they need to solve any kinds of modern manufacturing requirements. The use of such processes means that our company can provide the kind of high quality items that companies need today.