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 | LNC-14 | 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. |
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LNG-5, LNC-2, 250A | DC | WHITE | Used on bright finish or polished surfaces. |
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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 |
CFX2, 117A, LNC-5 |
AC | BLACK | Electrolyte depends on composition of alloy. |
DC | CLEAR | |||
Cadmium Electroplate | LNC-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 |
CFX2, LNC-5, 117A | AC | BLACK | Electrolyte depends on composition of alloy. |
DC | CLEAR | |||
Covar | 255A | 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 | |||
Hastelloys | LNC-1, LNC-3, LNC-4, | AC | BLACK | |
Inconel | 251 A, LNC-1, LNC-3, 2611A | AC | BLACK | |
Iron | 53NC, LNC-3, 2611A, 112A, CFX2 | 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 | 53NC, 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, 53NC, 2611A | AC | BLACK | |
Stainless Steel | 300 SERIES D462, 53NC, LNC-2 | AC | BLACK | Color depends on series of stainless. |
400 SERIES: LNC-14, 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, 125A, LNC-5 | AC | BLACK | |
Chromated Cadmium, Zinc | LNC-2, LNC-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 SEND SAMPLES! |