Lectroetch Electrolyte and Cleaner Chart

Choosing the proper electrolyte and cleaner is necessary to obtain a clear, sharp, contrasting mark. Lectroetch has developed electrolytes for various conductive metals, alloys, and plating. The chart will serve as a guide for most applications. Parts made of other materials should be sent to Lectroetch for electrolyte evaluation.

METALS, ALLOYS, PLATINGS ELECTROLYTE POWER UNIT CIRCUIT COLOR COMMENTS
Aluminum and Alloys 210A DC BLACK Allow a few seconds for color to develop before cleaning.
LNC-9, LNC-3 DC GRAY Deep mark. Dark color on some alloys.
LNG-5, LNC-2, 250A DC WHITE Used on bright finish or polished surfaces.
Aluminum Alloys –
High Magnesium
or Silica		 LNC-5, LNC-2, 250A DC CLEAR Cannot be color marked.
Anodized Aluminum Must be marked prior to anodize – see special instructions.
Aluminum Bronze, Bronze,
Phosphor Bronze-Brass,
Brass Electroplate		 220A, 117A, LNC-5 AC BLACK Electrolyte depends on composition of alloy.
DC CLEAR
Cadmium Electroplate LINC-5,117A, 112A AC BLACK Excess electrolyte may cause staining.
Carbides LNC-3, 250A, 255A, LNC2 AC DARK Use maximum Power Unit output.
Chrome Plate-Hard LNC-3, LNC-4, GB-77 DC CLEAR Cannot be color marked, unless deep-etched through plating.
Chrome Plate-Decorative LNC-7 AC DARK
DC CLEAR
Cobalt Alloys, Stellite LNC-1, LNC-3, 260A AC BLACK Sandblast surface should have light oil film before marking.
DC CLEAR
Copper and Alloys,
Copper Electroplate		 220A, LNC-5, 117A AC BLACK Electrolyte depends on composition of alloy.
DC CLEAR
Covar 255A, GB-2 AC BLACK
Deep-Etch Aluminum, Ferrous Metals LNC-3, LNC-9, GB-77 DC CLEAR Use deep-etch Hand Pad, Type F Wick, interrupted current.
Brass, Bronze, Copper LNC-5
Discaloy LNC-3, 260A AC BLACK
Gold and Alloys, Gold Plate LNC-1, LNC-3, 2611A AC BLACK Use minimum electrolyte
DC CLEAR
GB-2 (Plate) DC BLACK Reverse polarity.
Hastelloys LNC-1, LNC-3,, LNC-4, LINC-8 AC BLACK
Inconel 251 A, LNC-1, LNC-3, 2611A AC BLACK
GB-2 (PLATE) DC BLACK Reverse polarity.
Iron LNC-1, LNC-3, 2611A, 112A AC BLACK
Lead and Alloys, Lead Plate LNC-4, 250A AC BLACK
DC CLEAR
Magnesium and Alloys LNC-4, LNC-5, 250A DC CLEAR Mark before galvanic anodize – cannot be color marked.
Monel Metal LNC-1, LNC-3, 2611A AC BLACK Circuit depends on surface finish and results desired.
DC CLEAR
Nickel and Alloys,
Nickel Platings		 LNC-2, 250A, LNC-9 AC BLACK
DC CLEAR
Steel-Low Carbon, Mild LNC-1, LNC-3, 2611 A, 112A AC BLACK
Steel-high Alloy, Tool LNC-3, LNC-9, 260A DC CLEAR
Saw Steel L-50, LNC-1, 2611A AC BLACK
Stainless Steel 300 SERIES D462, 53NC, LNC-2 AC BLACK Color depends on series of stainless.
400 SERIES LNC-8, CF-25, 260A DC CLEAR
Silver, Silver Plate LNC-6, 117A, 251 A AC BLACK Permanency of mark depends on composition.
DC CLEAR
Tin and Alloys, Tin Plate LNC-5, 117A, 112A AC BLACK
Titanium 250A, (Nuc. Gr.), LNC-3, 251A, 260A AC DARK Minimum power, electrolyte.
GB2 (plate) DC BLACK Reverse polarity.
2611A DC Deep etch.
Zinc and Alloys,
Zinc Plating,
Electro-Galvanize		 112A, 117A, LNC-5 AC BLACK
GB-2 (plate) DC BLACK Reverse polarity.
Chromated Cadmium, Zinc LNC-2, LNG-5, 117A AC BLACK Surfaces partially passivated. Use max. output and pressure.
DC CLEAR
Black Oxide 270A AC WHITE Electrolyte, circuit, power unit output depends on coating involved. See special instructions/submit samples for test marking.
D462, LNC-4, LNC-3 DC WHITE
Blue Furnace Oxide, Phosphated Steel, Other Supplemental Coatings D462, LNC-3, LNC-4 DC WHITE
NUCLEAR-GRADE ELECTROLYTES AND CLEANERS
Contain less that 250ppm of Halogens, Sulpher, and Lead. Available in LNC-2, LNC-3, LNC-5, and 250 A Electrolyte fornnuations, and #2 and #3 Cleaner formulations. Certified Trace Analysis available at additional cost.SPECIAL CFX-2 NON-CLEANING ELECTROLYTE
For marking high carbon and mild steel, hardened/case-hardened steels, some high- speed steels, and iron. Requires little or no post-cleaning. Ideal for bearings, feeler gauges, and other parts prone to corrosion.

All Electrolytes and Cleaners are available in l-quart plastic bottles (1, 4, 6, and 12- quart packages), 1 -gallon plastic jugs, and 5-gallon plastic pails. Some electrolytes and cleaners available in 55-gallon drums. Prices on application.

POSTCLEANERS AND PROTECTIVE OIL
#2 CLEANER – for ferrous metals by manual wiping.
#3 CLEANER – for non-ferrous metals by manual wiping.
#1 All Purpose Cleaner/Neutralyte General purpose cleaners for all metals by manual wiping.
LIC CLEANER – Concentrate to be diluted 9:1 with water for immersion cleaning or wiping.
CT CLEANER TISSUES – for light cleaning applications on non-ferrous metals ( pkg of 1,000)
RV Oil – a water-displacing (polarized) oil for in-plant protection after marking and cleaning.

SEND SAMPLES!
If in doubt as to which electrolyte is best for your parts, submit samples to LECTROETCH for test marking, Please include information on mteal composition, and type of mark (AC mark, DC etch, Deep Etch, etc.). There is no charge for this service. We will return parts with our recommendations.