Nichrome chemical etching is a process for demanding applications in the electric appliance industry.
Nichrome is any of various alloys of Nickel, Chromium, and often Iron (and possibly other elements). A common Nichrome element alloy is 80% Nickel and 20% Chromium, by mass, but there are many other combinations of metals for various applications.
Fotofab's chemical etching process produces designs that can withstand harsh indoor and outdoor environments. The process uses acid (Ferric Chloride) to etch into unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design or image formed to your project's specifications.
Fotofab products are made in the USA and distributed worldwide.
Characteristics of Nichrome
Nichrome is known for its high mechanical strength and high creep strength. Other characteristics include:
- Silvery-grey color
- Corrosion-resistant
- High melting point of 1,400˚C (2,550˚F)
- Robust and ductile
- Oxidation resistant
- Non-magnetic
Nichrome Chemical Etching Applications
The properties of Nichrome vary depending on its alloy. Common applications for acid etched Nichrome include:
- Electric heating elements
- Electric ignition systems
- Commercial electronic applications
- Automotive components
- 3D/additive manufacturing components
- Aerospace applications such as solar panel deployment mechanisms of spacecraft
Other Factors
- Also known as Nickel-Chrome and Chrome-Nickel
- Patented in 1906, Nichrome is the oldest documented form of resistance heating alloy
- Develops an outer layer of Chromium Oxide when it is heated to red-hot temperatures
- Nichrome alloys have a higher emissivity compared to other air-stable resistance alloys when fully oxidized