Copper etchingis one of the most profound ways of creating intricate designs. Chemical etching first became popular in the middle ages. This method was common in daily applications however it got lost along the way. Copper is one of the most common metals, you can spot a copper machine in every industrial sector.
The business sector heavily depends on copper for its sustenance. They rely on the string and hefty copper resilience. Etching copper is yet again a relatively recent practice. Chemical etching involves many harsh chemicals and the process spans a long time.
Thus, etching copper follows the same production pattern as other materials. You can design according to personal preference or digital design. Photo etching and copper etching can go hand in hand. You can create the etching print on your computer file and transfer that print to a copper plate.
The process may seem hard to follow at first but it simplifies down the road. The etching industry has grown exponentially, everyone wants to get their hands on a sleek and refine surface. Etching has taken over other forms of printing such as stamping.
Moreover, an etched surface has a different sensory touch compared to others. The surface does not indent due to compression. The grain structure of copper becomes much more visible with the help of chemical etching.
There is no way to perform etching without acid chemicals. People refrain from using these acids however they do not pose any harm. Copper is actually one of the most unreactive metals but fortunately, it matches with ferric chloride.
The details around copper etching match any other etching procedure. The process begins with choosing the metal base. You can chemically etch more than one table. This is a great time to look at the nearest periodic table.
The periodic table is divided into acids and metals. Every metal reacts with acid and thus causes a chemical equation to form. Some metals are common bases for etching such as stainless steel, copper, iron, and titanium. The reactivity of these metals determines how fast they will begin to etch. Similarly, you can use one or more acid compounds during the etching. Nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and ferric chloride are used the most for this purpose.
Once you determine the type of base you want to work with, in this case, copper, you can officially start the procedure. The copper plate is covered with a strong acid-resistant substance. The acid resistive substance will not react with ferric chloride or copper chloride.
The copper plate is submerged within a bath of acid solution. Take caution while performing this step at home. Usually, this process does not occur at home, people carry it out commercially. The etching materials cost a lot of money.
Therefore, people prefer buying it at stores instead of investing the time and money at home. The caid solution makes a pattern by etching the surface that the acid-resistant did not cover. The etched lines further hold the ink that eventually makes a pattern.
The whole procedure can take some hours but not more than that. You can commercially produce large units without breaking a sweat. The chemistry behind this procedure makes it all the more interesting.
The entire copper etching process relies on the surface. Some surfaces react to acid better than others but you can alter every base o perfection. Advanced machinery allows us to etch any metal that we want.
All the etching experts have to do is combine the right acid with the right metal. The surface will make or break the whole etching procedure. Some people forget to prep their surfaces thus end up making a mess out of their materials. Prepare the base before submerging it in an acid solution. This preparation will not only save you time but also save the additional cost of purchasing new material.
The first thing that the manufacturers must do when copper etching is to buy high-quality copper. The quality of the metal largely impacts the etching outcome. You should preferably buy the copper on a plate form. If the plate form is not available then you need to cut the copper accurately.
A guillotine is a perfect tool to cut the copper without making too much of a mess, blades work just as well. The cut should be administered with utmost smoothness. Sharp edges will reduce the refined look. Proceed with filling or burning the edges once the cutting finishes. Buring the edges will offer a molded look to the plate.
There is a risk that the bac of the copper plate will also get etched when you submerge it in acid. The bak will only get damaged and look like a disaster. Do not forget to cover the backside of the copper plate before covering it with acid. Lastly, polish the copper plate to perfection. The best part about etching is that it does not affect the finishes on the plate. The polish will shine through even after etching,
You can use the copper etched plates for school activities and commercial use. It is very hard to make micro-etched copper parts. The small lines are difficult to perfect if you are doing it by hand. Machines will not give you the same accuracy as the hand. In earlier times famous artists like Picasso also took an interest in etching.
They performed the procedure under different circumstances however they earn credit for coming up with the idea originally. They used etched plates as a form of art and even armor. Circuit boards are a popular application for copper etching in this day and age.
One would wonder that why would someone invest so much time in a process that will only be visible from a closer distance. The etching adds dimension to the plate or object. The uniqueness that the etching offers cannot replicate by other forms of imprinting. The optical contrasts retail higher than other metals.
An etched surface is not only pleasing to the eye but also beneficial fr the pocket. People are willing to pay more for an object that has an etched surface. They appreciate the beautiful printed patterns and value the process that the metal went through for this to be possible.
Etching copper gives more than it takes from the surface. People are reluctant to try out this process because they think that there are many chances for things to turn wrong. If you follow the instructions and procedure carefully then there is no need to worry.
People have taken up etching as a hobby, they etch coins for practice. The practice is the only thing that will help if you want to pursue this as a career. The etching is not only a manufacturing process but also an art. You have the opportunity to release your creative abilities on this material.
Etching has taken over commercial printing methods such as stamping, the world has started to depend upon chemical etching for topographical dimensions. The entire process boils down to some basic factors. The base material, acid, and steps matter the most. The copper etching is incomplete without the right acid.
This form of printing will soon become highly industrialized and the personal touch will get lost. Machines are taking over almost every commercial sector but we must remember where this technique came from originally. The older etched materials are now prized as expensive relics.
For further information regarding copper etching, contact us now.
