Target
CNC cutter
Used to cut stencils
Stencil beeing cut
Cut stencil
Removing cut pieces from the stencil
Ready to apply transfer foil
Transfer foil applied
Workpieces and stencils
All pieces cut from the same stock of X5CrNi18-10 and sandet from 100 grit up to 400 grit.
Before the stencil is applied the workpiece is wiped down with acetone.
Stencil application
Stencil application
Stencil application
Burnished onto surface with a piece of PTFE round bar.
Electrical connection
Closed up
Ready to etch
Electrolyte bath
A bath might not be the best solution i have been told, i will have to investigate that further.
Connect the positive supply to the workpiece and the negative to another piece of the same metal and hang both in the bath.
Use a well ventilated area, the gasses produced are a bit hazardous.
Power supply
The "wrong" polarity is intentional, i only want to chew up one alligator clip when electroplating, so i switch them around.
Etching in progress
Again, maybe not the best soltution to use a bath.
Notice the bright neon green discoloration of the electrolyte while etching, looks kinda pretty.
Document, observe and measure.
Science!
Best result so far
400ml saturated Saltwater solution, regular table salt.
Etched at 5V over 30 minutes.
Experiments with 30% HCL, acetic acid and saturated Iron(II) sulfate solution were way less successful. Best results so far were provided by just plain saltwater.
For fun
Etched Garrus Vakarian keychain thingie.
Source imgur.com/a/ZJ6Nk