Inside the Chemical Etching Process: Creating Labels To Last

When it comes to producing labels that require durability, precision and stress-free processing, the chemical etching process stands out as a premium solution.

From defence equipment and aviation components to medical devices and catering equipment labels, chemical-etched, stainless steel industrial labels combine longevity and accuracy. This process ensures they last under extreme conditions, keeping everyone safe and compliant with safety regulations.

In this article, we dive into what chemical etching is, the process behind it, explore why it has a higher value for certain applications and why it’s an ideal choice for precision-critical applications.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we specialise in advanced chemical etching, delivering nameplates and industrial labelling that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. As the largest manufacturer of chemically etched metal nameplates and badges, we’re a trusted expert for providing bespoke, high-quality solutions. Read on to learn more.

What is Chemical Etching?

Chemical etching, also known as photochemical machining, is a process that uses chemicals to produce durable nameplates from various metals, including brass and stainless steel. Applying a corrosive element, like ferric chloride, chemical etching dissolves any unwanted metal to achieve the final design.

Advanced chemical etching techniques allow the creation of intricate designs, text and logos that maintain their legibility, even under extreme conditions.

With exceptional attention to detail, chemical etching could be the ideal solution for your project.

Stainless steel etching in particular provides a long-lasting solution, ideal for industrial and defence applications.

Step-by-Step Chemical Etching Process

1. Selecting the right materials

The first step in producing high-quality etched nameplates is selecting the required sheet metal with a suitable thickness, from 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

The text detail that you choose can be chemically etched away from the surface of both brass and 304 or 316 stainless steel nameplates, with a choice of finishes, including polished brass, or bright, satin and brushed stainless steel. Aligned with your needs and industry requirements, our expert team will be able to advise on what might be the best material selection for you.

At GSM Graphic Arts, we provide thorough checks throughout the process, ensuring that all final products are manufactured to the highest quality and meet strict specifications, including ISO 9001:2015. By doing this, we can help our clients refine their designs for accuracy, readability and alignment with precision-critical applications, particularly in defence sectors, as well as across medical devices and the oil and gas sector.

2. Printing and etching

Nameplate designs are achieved through a process called silkscreen printing. This involves a chemical-resistant coating being placed onto the areas of the design that aren’t going to be etched, then put through the etching machine to carve out the details.

An etching machine contains a mixture of ferric chloride and hydrochloric acid, with water. The areas not covered by the resistant coating are typically etched away. Carried out by a fully automated etching line under computer control, chemical etching ensures consistent quality and reproducibility, every time.

Etched brass nameplates can then be over-lacquered for added protection against corrosion from the elements. Stainless steel, on the other hand, doesn’t need any further treatment to protect the labels against harsh environments.

3. Multi-coloured infill painting and finishing

After the etching process, the sheet is then rinsed with water to remove the resistant layer. The etched nameplate detail can then be left as it is, or undergo colour infilling.

For multi-colour designs, the colour infilling process is repeated for each colour that is applied. A minimum gap is required between each colour.

After this process, laser marking can be used to apply unique identification details, like sequential numbers.

All of our nameplates and badges are ready to go once we supply them, meaning they are cut to size, with either fixing holes or a permanent self-adhesive tape, all tailored to your specific needs.

Accuracy, Durability and Suitability for Defence Industries and Beyond

Chemically-etched nameplates and badges offer unmatched accuracy, allowing for intricate designs and important text to remain legible and intact over time.

Their durability is a standout feature; etched metal labels can resist everything from abrasion and chemicals to UV exposure and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for harsh environments, including offshore oil rigs, heavy engineering and the food processing industry.

Especially for defence and marine applications, durable, permanent marking solutions are critical. As a result, nameplates and badges used under these circumstances must withstand demanding conditions, all while maintaining clarity for functional purposes. This includes equipment identification, access to safety information and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

Medical, gas and oil applications

Beyond the defence industries, this level of accuracy and durability is invaluable for medical devices and the oil and gas industry.

Presenting crucial information, such as serial numbers, manufacturing dates, and usage instructions on equipment that is placed under harsh conditions, ensures that these nameplates can maintain patient safety and compliance with safety standards.

Sterilisation processes, cleaning agents, as well as extreme pressure, temperatures and corrosive substances, can wear away at labels produced with other techniques over time, making chemical etching an ideal solution.

Plus, with over 50 years of experience, our expertise at GSM Graphic Arts in advanced chemical etching makes sure that every nameplate meets the precise quality and product standards required by these industries. We can deliver bespoke solutions for all customers, no matter what industry you’re approaching us from.

Why Chemical-Etched Nameplates Justify Higher Value

The long-term value of chemical etching is undeniable:

• Longevity: As we’ve mentioned, etched nameplates and badges can withstand most types of harsh environments, including extreme pressure, temperatures and corrosive substances.
• Safety and compliance: Since the components remain legible in the harshest, most extreme environments, chemical etching makes these labels suitable for maintaining compliance across many industrial applications.
• Premium quality: Chemically-etched metal labels convey reliability and excellence, matching the engineering quality of high-end equipment.

Investing in advanced chemical etching ensures that nameplates not only look professional, but also perform under the most demanding conditions.

Standout Solutions with GSM Graphic Arts

From material selection to etching and infill painting, the chemical etching process delivers nameplates and industrial-grade badges that are precise, durable, and visually appealing. For clients in precision-critical industries, the benefits of chemically-etched stainless steel and brass nameplates offer long-term reliability, compliance and premium quality.

GSM Graphic Arts specialises in creating high-quality, chemical-etched nameplates and labels. Our expertise in stainless steel etching and advanced chemical etching ensures your project meets the highest standards of durability and precision.

Get in touch with a member of our team today to explore more about our services and discuss the specifications of your project.