Etching

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Etching at Alinco

Etching is a technique that produces similar results to laser engraving. It uses stencils and a chemical product to create markings. However, etching also has many disadvantages, which is why it is not widely used.

Advantages of Etching:

  1. Small Stencils: Easy and cheap to make, ideal for smaller markings. Small is very small, width 20 to 50 mm or so.
  2. Large Stencils: More expensive because they need to be made externally, but still effective if the external stencil can be reused multiple times, e.g., for logos.
  3. Flexibility: Etching can be applied at any location, even after final finishing.

Disadvantages of Etching:

  1. Detail Limitations: The level of detail can be lower compared to laser engraving, especially for very fine or complex designs. Etching, for example, is not suitable for nameplates.
  2. Time-Consuming: The process can take longer than laser engraving, especially for larger or more complex markings.
  3. Risk of Errors: Poor positioning or careless work can lead to ‘bleeding’ or imperfections.

Applications:

  1. Logos and Marks: Perfect for adding logos to finished products. This can be Alinco’s logo if the parts go directly to the end customer, or the logo of our customer, such as machine builders.