Etching

In the etching method, industrial signs are inscribed by etching out material using an etchant. Areas that are not to be etched out are covered beforehand with a resist, which protects against the etchant. Here the writing can be recessed (positive etching, deep etching) or elevated (negative etching, relief etching)

The recesses are usually covered with baking varnishes. The covering with colours can also be omitted, so that legibility is produced only by the contrast of the blank base material with the matt, etched areas.

Even though the etching method is one of the oldest methods used in industrial signage production, etched metal signs and metal fronts continue to be the most long-lasting and durable of all industrial signage.

Properties and benefits

1. Colour covering is protected by embedding in recesses
2. Legibility is guaranteed even after painting over or destruction of the colour covering
3. High light-fastness of the colours
4. High weather resistance
5. In cases of aluminium signs and fronts, a combination with the anodizing method is possible

Uses

Type plates, rating plates • Brand mark signs, emblems • Scales, gauges, dials • Blanks, die cut parts, functional parts • Barcode signs • Dog license fee tags • Front plates, front panels

Material

Stainless steel, brass, aluminium

Print colours

Large selection of standard colours available. All colours according to common colour systems (RAL, HKS, Pantone) and special colours possible. As alterative, without colour, with matt-glossy contrast of base material.

Variable information

Sequential numbering, sequential barcodes and alternating inscriptions using embossing, engraving or laser inscription