The process of etching on metal involves the use of chemical corrosion as opposed to mechanical force to remove metal. Etching metal jewelry involves the techniques of etching metal and making jewelry.
Common metals used
The metals that are commonly used are copper, brass, and nickel-silver because these metals can be etched using an elastic corrosive process. Each sheet is selected for a particular reason – the strength, which is important during the process of etching.
By most accounts, you’re likely to lose a substantial amount of metal thanks to the submersion of the metal in the etching chemical.
The process of etching metal jewelry involves carefully choosing the metals and the following attributes.
The surface
Some jewelry makers apply a coating to the metal as a protective layer to prevent tarnishing and scratching. Further, you need to follow the cleaning to remove any surface treatment that might have been left behind. If it’s not cleaned up it may affect the quality of the etching process.
The measure of the metal sheet
Metal pieces measuring 4 inches x 4 inches (10 cm x 10 cm) size are taken. When you use large prices, you will have to use the process of cutting more. Further, leftover scraps of inched metal in your etching projects. You can mix and match metals to ensure it suits your needs and preference. Now we brief here the process of etching of brass, nick silver and copper.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper in different proportions in the metal. Due to its appearance like bronze, brass is a widely used metal in decorative arts. Further, its low friction also makes it suitable for locks doorknobs and various musical instruments and valves.
Brass sheet metal of 22 gauge is the best for etch. The most important reason for choosing this gauze is the durability of the metal during the process of etching. By this, a deep etch is achieved and at the same time, the metal stays there well and recovers from manipulation.
The process of etching brass
The metal is thorough cleaned when the design is made ready. The sheet covered with UV sensitive photo-resist used for printing. The brass is run though the chemical container filled with ferric chloride that is suitable for both hard and soft metals. Any leftover photoresist chemicals are removed after the etching process is completed and object is made ready for finishing.
Nickel- Silver etching
Nickel- Silver is a widely used metal thanks to the high corrosion and heat resistance. This attribute makes it a popular choice when developing different materials. Thanks to its high strength and resistance to nickel, it is widely in diverse industries. It’s commonly used as a protective coating for softer metals. There are a very small number of articles that can be made of metal. It’s mostly used as a stabilizer.
Once the object is ready after cleaning, the raw nickel material is cleaned. Following this, the material is made to pass through a chemical solution of ferric chloride. Ferric chloride is the etchant. Any leftover photo-resist and chemicals are cleaned when the process is done.
Conclusion
To make the best product as part of jewelry, etching metal jewelry are great thanks to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and value. This sort of jewelry is popular across the world. Thanks to its range, variety, and other things, this jewelry assumed significance.