Stainless Steel Engraving is an easy way to add design and style to any item. Stainless steel is an extremely popular option for nameplates, tags, and panels because of the ease and durability of maintenance. While straightforward to maintain, there are some top guidelines to remember. Stainless steel engraving is more work than printing on label stocks and is less expensive to produce. With proper cleaning and polishing, stainless steel engraving will last a lifetime and add great value to your product.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Engraving
Before anything else, take off your item and if it is metal, take a closer look under the cap. Clean any oil, wax, or dirt from the surface. If you are unsure what to look for, have a professional look at the piece to get a good idea of the best places to clean and what kind of cleaner to use. A stainless steel plate can be etched using chemicals such as Chlorine and Ammonia or by using acid-free paint filling. Acid-free paint filling is generally recommended for better results with less mess and easier cleanup.
Preparing Stainless Steel Engraving, once you’ve cleaned and prepped the item for engraving, you should consider the type of material it is. Stainless Steel gauges are the easiest to cut due to their thinness, but they do not go well with other metal types due to a thinner width. If you’re going with a square design, make sure you are using the correct gauge size (unless your piece is small like a pin) or using a smaller diameter steel piece.
Abrasives
Abrasives are commonly used for stainless steel engraving, though many chemicals can also be used. Dips in a mild detergent solution are usually effective for mild-colored metal but never use anything with an orange color or strong chemicals. Alcohol is another option, especially if you are marking an outline or images. A metal file with an abrasive tipped tip is great for buffing off unwanted designs or marks.
For heavier stainless steel engraving applications, use a metal engraver with diamond grit or magnetized tips. Diamond grit is great for bold, unique patterns or etching, while magnetized tips give a nice polish and shine to the metal. These products are more expensive but are also more effective and safer for your workers.
Custom Steel Engraving Option
A switch plate can be added to the item to permanently place a logo or text for custom engraving. Switchplates come in several different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors. You can purchase a plate to cover only the front of the item or purchase a switch plate with the side or back exposed for full engraving. You can choose a switch plate to mount to your switch, or you may want to have it stand free and embedded in the wood. The type of mount will depend on your product’s overall style and look, and it is also important to choose a switch plate that is easy to clean and maintain.
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