Etching zirconium with Multi-Etch
How to etch zirconium 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 zirconium
Process | Etch time (minutes) | Notes |
---|---|---|
150–160°F double strength | 1 | Slightly better colors |
Note: times are for removing high-voltage green; lower voltage colors will take less time to remove. | ||
Process | Etch time (minutes) | Surface change |
---|---|---|
150–160°F double strength | 3 | Pitted |
Process | Etch time (minutes) | Etch depth (inches, cumulative total) | Surface change |
---|---|---|---|
150–160°F double strength | |||
1 | 0.00068 | None | |
2 | 0.00093 | Trend toward pitting | |
3 | 0.00133 | Trend toward pitting |
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 zirconium.
Tips and tricks when etching with Multi-Etch
Ordering Multi-Etch
Multi-Etch can be ordered throughout the world!
Questions? You can contact Multi-Etch by phone or email.