Nitric acid etching question

Sasha · Post by **Sasha** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 10:29 pm

Hi folks

Anyone know the right concentration of Nitric to get for etching carbon steel.
Fast etching by preference...I can always dilute it for the fancy stuff.

Sasha

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Mon Mar 18, 2002 11:17 pm

I'll check with a Baronial subject that does it, but I think it's about 5-10%.

JJ Shred · Post by **JJ Shred** » Tue Mar 19, 2002 8:11 am

Isn't nitric for etching silver? I tried some steel in it (a watered steel knife), be prepared to run! It reacted violently and put off a big cloud of gas.

Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Tue Mar 19, 2002 11:28 pm

10% Nitric at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 30 minutes will give a decent etch to steel. Do it in a well ventilated/outdoors site. Add the acid to the water, and I recommend having a supply of baking soda handy. (Preceding instructions for those that are not familiar with safety precautions for acid etching.)

I don't know if this will work if you are using the Metric or Celsius systems.

Sasha · Post by **Sasha** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 3:35 am

Thanks for the help.
Any other takes and opinions out there?

Sasha

Krag · Post by **Krag** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 11:53 am

I used some 99.9% fuming nitric acid mixed with 18M HCl at 3:1. It'll eat metal, stainless and just about any resist. Don't use this.

Do auto shops still sell sulfuric acid? Where do you get small quantities of nitric acid retail? I do all my stuff like that back at my research lab area with fume hoods, but I won't have that access much longer and was wondering where others get their supplies.

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Alcyoneus · Post by **Alcyoneus** » Thu Mar 21, 2002 11:58 am

Locally, I would get it at a science & education center, but it is kinda expensive. A friend in MO says he can get it for $2-3 a gallon or so from a wholesaler.