Etching hafnium with Multi-Etch

Melted tip of a hafnium consumable electrode, oxidized hafnium ebeam remelted ingot, and 1 cm³ hafnium cube. By Alchemist-hp (Free Art License).

How to etch hafnium with Multi-Etch, the safer alternative to hydrofluoric acid

Multi-Etch was originally developed for use on titanium, and is a perfect low-acid (pH 6.8) alternative to hazardous hydrofluoric (HF) acid for etching hafnium

  Etch rates for hafnium using Multi‑Etch
  
      Process
      Etch time (minutes)
      Etch depth (inches, cumulative total)
      Surface change
    
        150–160°F double strength
      
        1
      
        0.0006
      
        None
      
        2
      
        0.0015
      
        Matte, dark grey
      
        3
      
        0.002
      
        Matte, dark grey

Etch rates for hafnium using Multi‑Etch
Process	Etch time (minutes)	Etch depth (inches, cumulative total)	Surface change
150–160°F double strength
	1	0.0006	None
	2	0.0015	Matte, dark grey
	3	0.002	Matte, dark grey

Step-by-step guides on etching with Multi-Etch

The guides below demonstrate etching with titanium, but the order of steps are the same for etching hafnium.

Tips and tricks when etching with Multi-Etch

Ordering Multi-Etch

Multi-Etch can be ordered throughout the world! View the list of Multi-Etch retailers.

Questions? You can contact Multi-Etch by phone or email.