MACRO-ETCHING SOLUTIONS FOR IRON & STEEL
Spectrographic Ltd have NO responsibility for the storage, use or disposal of any Etchant solutions
ALLOY ETCHANT COMPOSITION
Plain & Alloy steels, HCl (conc)……………………………50 ml
HSS, Tool steels, H2O……………………………………50 ml
Cutlery steels & SS
High Alloy steels HCl (conc)……………………………50 ml
HNO3(conc)………………………….25 ml
H2O………………………………………25 ml
Plain & Alloy steels HCl(conc).……………………………38 ml
& Cutlery steels H2SO4(conc)…………………………12 ml
H2O……………………….…………….50 ml
High Alloy Steels HNO3(conc)……………………from 10 – 40 ml
HF(48%)……….…………………from 4 - 10 ml
H2O……………………………….from 50 – 87 ml
SS and High Alloy HCl (conc)……………………………50 ml
steels H2O…………………..…………………50 ml
H2O2 (30%)………………..…………20 ml
Austenitic SS HCl……………………………………………………………..50 ml
Saturated solution of CuSO4 in H2O2…………25 ml
Plain Carbon & Low (NH4)S2O8 (Ammonium Persulphate)…….10 g
Alloy steels H2O……………………………………………………100 ml
To speak to a specialist for expert advice, call 01274 966 173 or visit www.spectrographic.co.uk
PROCEDURE COMMENTS
Immerse sample in the etchant heated to about 80°C This is a general purpose macro
for about 20/30 mins and desmut with a brush under etchant
running water (note that SS will require ‘DE smutting’ in
warm 20% HNO3
Immerse sample in an ambient solution of the etchant The approximate ratio of HCl to HNO3 is 2:1
for between 10 and 15 mins and then rinse with run-
ning water and dry.
Immerse sample in a solution of the etch heated to This is a good macro etchant for SS with 12 % Cr
approx. 80°C for between 15 to 45 mins, then rinse in
water and dry.
Immerse sample in a heated solution to approx. 80°C, Please note that the ratio of HNO3 to HF varies, so
of the etchant for as long as it takes to get the desired be careful of the time immersed and the disposal
etch, then rinse in water and dry. route.
Carefully mix the HCl and the H2O and heat to approx. This produces a bright finish.
80°C and add the H2O2 in several stages (do not add
until the effervescence has stopped from the previous
addition).Rinse with running water and dry. Please dis-
pose of the etchant according to local regulations.
Immerse the sample in either a warm or ambient etch This is Marble’s reagent and if a light etch is
solution. Watch the time as this is somewhat dictated accomplished, then this is good for revealing the
by the alloy being etched. Rinse with water and dry. structure.
Swab etchant at ambient over sample until the required This etchant is good for both grain size and welds.
etching is reached. Rinse and dry.
MACRO-ETCHING SOLUTIONS FOR IRON & STEEL
Spectrographic Ltd have NO responsibility for the storage, use or disposal of any Etchant solutions

ALLOY ETCHANT COMPOSITION PROCEDURE COMMENTS

Plain Carbon & Low CuCl2………………………………………………………..0.5 g Immerse the sample in the etchant until a copper sheen This is Stead’s Reagent. The salts dissolved in the HCl
Alloy steels MgCl2……………………………………….…………………2 g is seen then rinse under flowing water and dry. will show P banding and P rich areas.
HCl(conc)…………………………………………………….1 ml
Alcohol……………………………………………………100 ml

Mild steel, Besse- CuCl2…………………….…………………………………..90 g
mer Iron & Hi N2 HCl(conc)………………………………………………..120 ml
steels H2O…………………………………………………………100 ml
Plain Carbon & CuCl2…………………………………………………….……45 g
Alloy steels HCl(conc)…………………………………………………180 ml
H2O………………………………………………………….100 ml
SS & HCl(conc)………………………………………………….10 ml
High Cr steel Alcohol…………………………………………………..100 ml
Picric Acid (C6H3N3O7)……………………………1 g
The samples surface should be rubbed with an etchant
soaked cloth and as soon as the required etch is
accomplished, then the sample should be rinsed either
with a 50% HCl solution or Alcohol as this will prevent
any Cu being deposited.
The samples surface should be rubbed with an etchant
soaked cloth and as soon as the required etch is
accomplished, then the sample should be rinsed either
with a 50% HCl solution or Alcohol as this will prevent
any Cu being deposited.
Immerse the sample in the etchant at ambient
temperature until the required contrast is reached.
Then rinse in flowing water and dry.
This is Fry’s Reagent, but before etching the sample
needs to be heated to around 220°C for about 20
mins. This will show any strain lines from the cold
working operation.
This is modified Fry’s Reagent and may give more
contrast than the conventional Fry’s, but the sample
can be washed in water and dried without any Cu
being deposited.
This is Vilella’s Reagent and care must be taken in
storing and disposal as the Picric Acid is explosive.

To speak to a specialist for expert advice, call 01274 966 173 or visit www.spectrographic.co.uk