This is a method most generally used to give patterns on the stainless steel plates. The plate is masked with acid resistant ink, which resists the etching liquid (FeCl₃), except the parts where the pattern will be etched. Then the plate is inserted into the automatic etching line for spraying, which would partially erode the metal. Product with irregularities on its surface is completed when the ink is removed and cleaned with water.

1) Masking Method
Generally, there are two ways of masking. One of them is the so-called photo masking, which forms a sensitive film on the surface through a specific method for selective etching. This is usually used for high precision etching. The other way is the silk screen printing, which is more widely used. It is a masking method projecting the photo to a frame with 200-300 mesh tension to have ink pass selectively.

2) Design of Etching Line
Silk screen method, which is widely used for etching line, is inevitably influenced by silk mesh. Therefore, chances are high that the line would become unclear in the production process in case the etching line is too thin. It also heightens the possibility of defective products. The width of the line needs to be at least 1 mm realistically. And, more desirably, a 1.5 mm line is most recommendable. Also, if the pattern is two minute, there could be some lumps due to the slight flow of silk in the process of printing. So a proper size of pattern is also needed.

3) Depth of Etching
Unless it is specified, the depth of etching is set between 25 ~ 40μ. If the depth is too slight, there would be little etching effect and the pattern would be seen unclear. If the depth is set between 80 ~ 300μ, on the contrary, the price would be raised drastically and the beauty of the pattern is also marred due to destruction of edge.

4) Surface of Etching
After etching, the surface can be in the shape of needle phase with severe irregularities according to chemical effects, vulnerable to finger marks. Beside, if a broad surface is etched, the rolling direction of steel would be seen and there comes smut, the steel sediment produced in the process of etching. Therefore, etching surface should not be designed too broad if possible. In the case that the etching surface must be designed broadly, it is desirable to design with Bead Blasting or Vibration methods together.

Pattern Design